National Security Committee to Address Procurement Violations of Drones Identified by the Audit Chamber

The Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is initiating an appeal to the Cabinet of Ministers to respond to violations identified by the Audit Chamber in the procurement of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the year 2024. This information was confirmed by committee member Iryna Friz, who represents the European Solidarity faction.

Following a committee meeting held on Tuesday, Friz noted that the committee carefully examined the Audit Chamber's report on UAV procurement for 2024, as well as specific issues concerning 2025. She emphasized that the committee is urging the Cabinet to process the audit results and take appropriate responsive measures.

According to Friz, the Audit Chamber uncovered numerous violations in procurement totaling over 77 billion hryvnias. She also pointed out that more than 50% of state contracts were concluded in violation of legislation, raising serious concerns.

"We have an overestimation of UAV costs during a specific period amounting to nearly 19 billion hryvnias, delays in delivery timelines, lack of penalties imposed, and the accumulation of accounts receivable. All of this indicates a crisis in the management of defense procurements," the parliamentarian stressed.

Iryna Friz also highlighted that in 2024, the state failed to provide adequate funding for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in UAVs. As a result, part of the needs had to be covered by volunteer funds, underscoring the critical situation in the area of defense procurement.

This situation raises concerns not only among lawmakers but also within society, as unmanned aerial vehicles are a crucial component of modern military strategy. UAV procurements are vital for ensuring the country's defense capability, and mismanagement in this area can have serious implications for national security.

The Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence plans to continue monitoring the situation and take all necessary measures to rectify the identified shortcomings in procurement, ensuring proper funding and supply of UAVs for the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the future.