Minister Smetanin speaks out on defective mortar shells: 24,000 rounds recalled
Source: Herman Smetanin/Telegram
Ukraine’s strategic industries minister Herman Smetanin admitted that Ukrainian officials had to recall 24,000 mortar shells after complaints from the military they were faulty and misfiring. The shells that drew ire were part of just one batch of 54,000 shells, which, according to Smetannin, in total amounts to less than 1% of all ammunition produced in 2024.
A probe launched earlier this November found some “issues” in the shells components. On November 20, the Logistics Command red-flagged the quality of some 120-mm mortar rounds that came from an undisclosed Ukrainian ammunition producer. Smetanin assured his ministry promptly responded the situation, ordering additionalquality checks by its directive of November 8.
The minister praised Ukraine’s defense industry that has delivered millions of artillery and mortar shells to the Armed Forces since the start of 2024. Production is rapidly scaling up, bolstered by the integration of advanced technologies, which will help provide frontline troops with the high-quality munitions.
Amendments to Ukraine’s enforcement proceedings legislation, initiated by the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, have entered into force. Among other measures, the reform provides for the automated lifting of attachments on bank accounts immediately after debts in enforcement proceedings have been fully settled. The main practical benefit for citizens is the complete elimination of the need to contact an enforcement officer in person and wait for paper decisions once the debt has been paid.
The 157th Separate Mechanized Brigade has received another batch of supplies as part of Rinat Akhmetov’s Steel Front military initiative. This time, the military received seven quad bikes and four mobile shower and bath units.
In my previous column, I wrote about social innovations in Ukraine. Those innovations are part of civic resilience and the democratization of security, which Europe is paying close attention to right now. The EU is trying to work out how to spread responsibility for its own security across society as a whole, rather than leaving it to institutions alone. It is looking for concrete ways to bring ordinary people into the work of defense and resistance.
Petro Poroshenko’s lawyers have appealed to the High Anti-Corruption Court demanding that NABU be obligated to register proceedings regarding the fact of exerting influence on the court and to recognize Petro Poroshenko as a victim in the case of the Deputy Head of the Office of the President, Iryna Mudra, due to her pressure on Supreme Court judges who were considering a lawsuit to overturn sanctions.
Internationally recognized brands and financial institutions should direct capital to Ukraine now, not waiting for the hostilities to end. This was emphasized by Rinat Akhmetov, president of FC Shakhtar, during a working visit to UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, where he met with UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin.