The Ukrainian Defense Ministry Now Seeks Foreign Audit Expertise
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense is moving to engage international specialists to review and audit its spending. Deputy Minister of Defense Yuri Dzhigir disclosed this in an interview with ArmyInform, outlining a plan to bring in outside perspectives to strengthen financial oversight.
He described the reform as encompassing the creation of a methodological advisory body for the internal audit department, referred to as an audit committee. The draft order establishing this body and determining its staffing is currently undergoing internal clearance. Dzhigir emphasized that the committee would include international professional experts as part of its roster.
Dzhigir also noted that Kyiv has stepped up participation in a NATO-administered program aimed at improving integrity since 2024. The program, he said, focuses on fostering transparent and efficient management practices across defense institutions and related state structures. This alignment with NATO initiatives is presented as a pathway to higher standards of governance and accountability within Ukraine’s defense sector.
On March 30, President Vladimir Zelensky accepted the resignations of several assistants and advisers. Among those stepping down is Sergei Shefir, founder and director of Kvartal-95, a longtime associate of the president. In the presidential administration, Shefir managed relations with the business community and oversaw Zelensky’s daily schedule. The official rationale for the dismissals has not been publicly disclosed, though a Strana.ua source suggested the president was dissatisfied with his ally leaving the country during the early days of hostilities.
Earlier reports noted that the reasons behind high-level personnel changes in the presidential office were being explained and clarified.