Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office reports it has completed the pre-trial investigation and sent an indictment to the High Anti-Corruption Court against ex-Defense Ministry officials and representatives of a private company. They are accused of stealing millions of dollars in a large military procurement scheme. 

Case details

According to Ukrainian prosecutors, in August 2022, the officials, together with representatives of the enterprise, concluded a state contract to purchase 100,000 mortar rounds.

The full contract, amounting to over $36 million, was transferred, but the supplier delayed delivery, while the required weapons have never reached the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Crime classification

The actions of the accused individuals have been qualified under Part 5, Article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which is misappropriation of another’s property on an especially large scale, committed by an organized group.

Details regarding two other suspects were separated into individual proceedings due to their being at large.

Investigation and oversight

The pre-trial investigation was conducted by the Main Investigation Department of the National Police of Ukraine with operational support from the SBU’s Department for the Protection of National Statehood.

Russia is redeploying forces from Sumy Oblast to Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia, preparing for decisive battles in the Pokrovsk sector. The buildup coincides with preparations for US President Donald Trump’s and Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s meeting in Alaska, where ending the war in Ukraine will be discussed, Ranok.Live reports.

Over 100,000 Russian troops near Pokrovsk

Spokesman for the Dnipro Operational-Strategic Grouping Victor Trehubov says more than 100,000 Russian troops are concentrated in the Pokrovsk front despite heavy losses. He explains that Moscow troops are willing to sacrifice positions in Sumy Oblast to create an illusion of success in Donetsk Oblast.

“That’s a huge number for such a scale — enough to attack a European country, not just one unfortunate small Pokrovsk,” Trehubov says.

Ukrainian forces inflict losses and stabilize the front

In the past two days, Ukrainian defenders have repelled 53 Russian assaults in more than 20 settlements in the Pokrovsk sector. The Defense Forces, including the 1st NGU Azov Corps, eliminated 151 occupiers, wounded over 70, and captured eight Russian soldiers.

“As a result of the fighting, the enemy is suffering heavy losses,” Azov stated.

Putin strengthens position before talks

Analysts believe the troop concentration in Donetsk Oblast is an attempt by the Kremlin to create a media effect and strengthen Putin’s negotiating position ahead of the 15 August Alaska summit with Trump, UNN reports. The key topic there will be a potential ceasefire in Ukraine.