Rustem Umierov, newly appointed Ukraine's Defence Minister, has stated that Ukraine needs to improve the defence potential of its domestic producers.

Source: Interfax-Ukraine news outlet, citing Umierov's speech at the Ukrainian Parliament

Quote: "Increasing the capabilities of Ukrainian producers in the defence sector is a crucial strategic goal. Everything that can be produced in Ukraine should be produced in Ukraine."

Details: Umierov noted that the Ukrainian Defence Ministry will provide Ukrainian producers with as many contracts as possible.

Furthermore, he stressed that the priority tasks include preparing the necessary infrastructure for the full operation of F-16 fighter jets.

His team also plans to audit all areas under the Ukrainian MoD.

Quote: "The Ministry of Defence is a key body for defence strategy and policy making. As one of our first steps in office, our team will audit all areas that are presently under the responsibility of the Ministry of Defence."

Background:

• On 5 September, the Ukrainian parliament approved the resignation of Oleksii Reznikov as Defence Minister. On 6 September, Rustem Umierov was appointed as the new Defence Minister.
• Reznikov's resignation followed a series of scandals surrounding public procurement for the Ukrainian army, particularly of eggs and jackets. Reznikov denies that the purchases were made at inflated prices.
• On 5 September, the parliament also accepted the resignation of Umierov as head of the State Property Fund.

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