Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
The Minister of Defense of Ukraine had a phone conversation with the Secretary of State for Defense of the United Kingdom. The parties discussed the situation at the frontline and preparations for the meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council.
The National Security and Defense Council has instructed the government to improve the criteria for determining critical enterprises for defense needs. The changes will apply to companies supplying the Defense Ministry and energy producers with damaged facilities.
President Zelenskyy has established a new professional holiday, the Day of the State Railway Service, to be celebrated annually on February 5. The servicemen of the State Service of Ukraine for Civil Defense ensure the operation of the transport infrastructure and are engaged in de-mining.
The parliament has drafted a bill to extend the deadline for the VLC until June 5 due to the large influx of people to the MCC. Persons liable for military service aged 25-60 have to undergo the commission, while younger people and people with disabilities are exempt from re-examination.
13 thousand military personnel have received approval for transfer through Army+. The Ministry of Defense explained the difference between orders and instructions, as well as what to do if they are not fulfilled.
Alina Lebedieva's flower boutique has reopened after a 5-week break. The owner advertises bouquets worth more than 9 thousand hryvnias, although such orders were rare before.
The Ministry of Defense is increasing enrollment in modern military specialties, including unmanned systems and cybersecurity. Starting in 2025, training in psychological support and rehabilitation of the military will be introduced.
MP Fediyenko announced an agreement not to fine people who failed to pass the vetting by February 5. The relevant directive will be sent to the TCC, and no search for such persons will be conducted.
The President said that Russia is not abandoning its goal of destroying Ukraine's energy system and is adapting its strikes to the defense capabilities. Ukraine is strengthening its air defense and looking for new opportunities to produce defense equipment.
About 20-27% of those liable for military service who are supposed to do so have undergone a MMC again. The new draft law provides for an extension of the deadline for the commission until June 5, 2025.
President Zelenskyy commented on the conflict between the Defense Ministry and the Defense Production Plant, supporting Minister Umerov's actions. According to the president, the minister has the right to do whatever is necessary to ensure uninterrupted supply of the army.
In January 2025, the Ministry of Defense demined more than 8,700 hectares of de-occupied territories. 6,011 explosive hazards were cleared, including 8,682 hectares of agricultural land and 11.38 km of roads.
Ukraine has joined the Confédération Interalliée des Officiers de Réserve (CIOR) as an associate member. The decision was unanimously supported by the heads of national associations of reserve officers of NATO countries.
The Ministry of Defense has authorized a new Ukrainian-made Gromylo unmanned aerial vehicle for use in the Armed Forces. The drone is equipped with powerful engines, can carry a combat charge and is resistant to electronic warfare.
Maryna Bezrukova was dismissed as director of the Defense Procurement Agency due to failure to fulfill supply plans and other violations. Arsen Zhumadilov was appointed interim director until a new director is approved.
The Ministry of Justice upheld the complaint of the Ministry of Defense and canceled the registration action to change the head of the State Enterprise “Defense Procurement Agency”. Bezrukova was suspended, and Zhumadilov was granted the status of interim director.
The Ministry of Defense has introduced an electronic referral to the military medical commission through the Reserve+ app. Persons liable for military service can generate a digital document with a QR code without visiting the MCC.
The President's Office announced the postponement of the MMC from February 5 to June 5. The HQCJ will not penalize those who fail to pass the commission by the original deadline.
The Ministry of Defense has introduced a new procedure for entering data on military participation in combat operations through the UDRP. Authorized persons must enter information within 5 days of the start of a combat order.
In 2024, the environmental damage caused by Russian attacks on the Ministry of Defense facilities exceeded UAH 42 billion. Soil, air, and forests were most affected by missile and artillery strikes.
The President of Ukraine announced the development of drone training in higher education institutions. The first courses will be offered at the Lviv Land Academy and Zhytomyr University.
Arsen Zhumadilov has temporarily taken over as head of the Defense Procurement Agency and is working to improve procurement processes. After analyzing the situation, he will submit proposals to the Minister of Defense on possible changes.
The Ministry of Defense has launched licensed production of modern FPV drones at a state-owned enterprise. The project is being implemented under a trilateral agreement with a private developer to supply the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
The Ministry of Defense's state logistics operator is introducing a new model of supplying the Armed Forces with food starting in 2025. The pilot project will start in Kyiv and the region, separating procurement and logistics functions.
A deputy of the city council in Kirovohrad region and his accomplices organized the supply of low-quality clothing for the army. The fraud with military uniforms caused the state losses of over UAH 21 million.
Soldiers who left the unit without permission after November 29 will not be able to return under a simplified procedure. They will have to undergo a full investigation and obtain a court decision to be reinstated in service.
The government has increased the contract period for military chaplains from three to six months. The procedure for issuing mandates and informing about the dismissal of chaplains has also been changed.
Dmytro Klimenkov has been dismissed from the post of Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine. This decision is related to the arms procurement issues previously announced by Minister Rustem Umerov.
More than 8,000 candidates joined the Defense Forces through recruitment centers, of whom 20% are women. Most women choose staff positions (24%) and medical specialties (22%).
The Ministry of Defense reported on the possible expulsion of male students for refusing practical military training. From September 2025, mandatory basic general military training for students will be introduced.