Audit reveals widespread flaws and corruption in Ukraine's weapons procurement system

Investigators uncovered that the Pavlohrad Chemical Plant delivered numerous defective mortar grenades in 2024, prompting the detention of its head Leonid Shyman on corruption charges. The Ukrainian Agency for Defense Purchases nonetheless kept signing new deals with the plant and other firms, many of which were under criminal investigation for fraud or contract breaches. Seven of the ten biggest Ukrainian weapons manufacturers secured fresh contracts, while a total of eighteen companies received orders despite not fulfilling earlier obligations, six of them completing none.

Audits also highlighted a rocket-ammunition tender where higher-priced bids were accepted for identical Turkish-made rockets, and a Serbian rocket purchase processed through Spetstechnoexport without the necessary Serbian export licence, later involving the U.S. firm Regulus and resulting in legal disputes. These findings point to systemic procurement failures and potential misuse of defence funds.