Ukrainska Pravda yesterday posted a reading of a transcript from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) that implicates the former Minister of Defense, Rustem Umerov, in corrupt defense contracts. UP reported that Umerov, since re-assigned as the head of the National Security and Defense Council, discussed with corrupt businessman Tymur Mindich a plan to sell to investors a stake in the FirePoint arms manufacturer, with insiders pocketing hundreds of millions. FirePoint has been the receiver of the largest contracts from Ukraine’s Defense Department.
UP reported that the “conversation suggests that Mindich and Umerov discussed selling a 33% stake for US$600 million, of which US$300 million would supposedly be invested in the company’s development, while another US$300 million would be a cash-out for shareholders, potentially including Mindich.” Apparently, part of the deal relied upon Mindich first acquiring a 50% stake in FirePoint. (FirePoint makes the FP-1 long-range strike drone and the “Flamingo” cruise missile.) The co-owner of FirePoint, Denys Shtilerman, had confirmed that Mindich had tried to acquire a 50% stake in November 2025. Mindich fled to Israel that month. In December 2025, Mindich would tell UP that he had no involvement with FirePoint.
Umerov’s press service said the authenticity and relevance of the recordings must be confirmed by law enforcement officers. It also said that he had already provided all necessary explanations to law enforcement agencies, that “communication on weapons is part of the defense minister’s duties,” and that he could not discuss an ongoing case.
