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.
On October 6, the Administrative Cassation Court within the Supreme Court of Ukraine continued hearing case No. 990/80/25, in which the fifth President and leader of the party “European Solidarity”, Petro Poroshenko, seeks to have Presidential Decree No. 81/2025 from February 12, 2025 — enacting sanctions by the decision of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) — declared illegal and annulled. The plaintiff claims the document was falsified and that the sanctions are a tool of political persecution of the opposition, contrary to international norms. Government representatives deny the allegations and insist their actions were lawful. Journalists of Bukvy were present at the hearing.
Rinat Akhmetov’s Metinvest Group has completed the construction of an upgraded underground NATO Role 2 hospital in one of the hottest sectors of the frontline. This is the second stabilization point established under the Steel Front initiative in cooperation with the Medical Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The new facility, funded by Metinvest with an investment of UAH 21 million, is more secure than the first one thanks to its deeper location underground (over 6 meters) and additional fortifications.
Five armored vehicles “Kozak” have received a new mission – thanks to the support of Metinvest, they have been upgraded to full-fledged command and staff vehicles. These upgraded vehicles are now operating on the front line.
A kamikaze drone flies directly toward an armored personnel carrier. But instead of penetrating the hull, it explodes on a steel screen. The crew survives. This is the new reality for Ukrainian forces, who have received enhanced protection thanks to the Metinvest project within “Steel Front of Rinat Akhmetov”.
To commemorate the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion, “Bukvy” has compiled data on the largest donors supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Among them there are charitable foundations and businesses. The list includes, in particular, foundations that provide assistance exclusively from their own resources, without fundraising (such as SCM by Rinat Akhmetov, Epicenter, etc.).