Ukraine’s Defense Procurement Chief Arsen Zhumadilov Reportedly to Resign September 1

What happened

Ukrainian media outlet ZN.UA reports that Arsen Zhumadilov, director of the Defense Ministry's Defense Procurement Agency (DPA), is set to resign and formally step down on September 1, citing undisclosed sources. The report states that Zhumadilov has already submitted his resignation letter but the Defense Ministry has not officially confirmed this development.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. ZN.UA further reports that Artem Romaniukov, head of the ministry’s Procurement Policy Directorate, may take over as acting director following Zhumadilov’s departure. Kyiv Independent’s team could not independently verify these details, and no official announcement has been made.

Zhumadilov was appointed in March 2025 after the dismissal of his predecessor, Maryna Bezrukova, during a period marked by tension between the ministry and procurement agencies. He oversaw the merger of the Defense Procurement Agency with the State Rear Operator in early 2025, a controversial move criticized by anti-corruption watchdogs and considered contrary to NATO guidance.

Known from the source

• Arsen Zhumadilov is director of the Defense Ministry's Defense Procurement Agency.
• ZN.UA reported on August 18 that Zhumadilov will resign and step down by September 1, citing unnamed sources.
• The Defense Ministry has not confirmed Zhumadilov’s resignation as of the report.
• Artem Romaniukov may become acting director following Zhumadilov, according to ZN.UA.
• Zhumadilov was appointed in March 2025 after Rustem Umerov dismissed former director Maryna Bezrukova.

What remains unclear

In May 2026, Zhumadilov testified as a witness in a high-profile corruption scandal related to defense contracts, centered on businessman Timur Mindich and former Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. While Zhumadilov acknowledged meetings regarding contracts for bulletproof vests, he denied misconduct. He has also been criticized for firing his deputy, former NABU director Artem Sytnyk, which watchdog groups framed as consolidating loyal control over the agency.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Official confirmation of Arsen Zhumadilov’s resignation from the Defense Ministry. Verification of Artem Romaniukov’s appointment as acting head of the Defense Procurement Agency. Clarification on reasons behind Zhumadilov’s resignation.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Kyiv Independent. Open the source.