Rustem Umerov

Rustem Umerov, currently Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council and former Defense Minister (2023–2025), is subject to ongoing scrutiny regarding potential misconduct. In January 2025, Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) initiated a pre-trial investigation into Umerov for alleged abuse of power. This followed a report by the Anti-Corruption Action Centre regarding his attempt to replace the director of the Defense Procurement Agency and dismiss board members who opposed the move. Additionally, Umerov has been implicated in the Midas corruption case, which centers on alleged large-scale kickbacks linked to businessman Timur Mindich. Recordings allegedly feature Umerov and Mindich discussing procurement and investment deals, leading the Ministry of Defense's Public Anti-Corruption Council to call for his suspension in April 2026, citing potential abuse of power and unauthorized disclosure of state secrets. Umerov has denied undue influence, stating his communications were part of his official duties. He has not been formally charged in these investigations.