Why Putin is feeling more confident
Spectator (UK)JAN 28
Western Diplomats Warn Ukraine Over Weapons Procurement Dispute
Above: Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov pictured in Vilnius, Lithuania, on Nov. 23, 2024. Image copyright: Petras Malukas/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This dispute needs to be looked at promptly and needs to be resolved in a manner that's consistent with NATO's recommendations for how weapons procurement in Ukraine should operate. Failure to do so could result in the erosion of trust and lead to Ukraine not receiving the weapons it needs.
Pro-Ukraine narrative
Bezrukova's dismissal is fully in line with the law and the Defense Ministry's authority. She was let go because instead of supplying troops with ammunition in a timely manner, she was more concerned with political games and leaking information to the media.
Establishment-critical narrative
The DPA was introduced following a number of scandals where arms manufacturers and middlemen were shamelessly profiting during the conflict. By trying to clean up the system, that's what brought Bezrukova into conflict with Umerov and his cronies. He ought to be the one that gets dismissed from his position.