‘Without bidding’, Ukrainian goverment allows to conceal defense contracts
Source: the Government of Ukraine
Ukraine’s defense ministry is allowed to conceal defense procurment and contractors’ information starting July 5, after the goverment updated the public procurement policy on July 8.
Contracts can now be awarded without ‘open tenders and electronic catalog proceduref’ if goods are supplied to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, military formations, higher military educational institutions, law enforcement agencies, State Emergency Service , or they cover repair and maintainence services for “Ukrzaliznytsia” rail operator .
The move aims to “increase the safety of bidders, minimize the risk of misuse by contracting authorities, and expand the criteria for non-public procurements”.
Most importantly, it will help conceal the details of such contracts and vendors’ sites from Russia.
“Such contracts will be listed in the electronic procurement system only 90 days after martial law is cancelled or terminated,” said deputy economy minister Nadiya Bigun.
“Procurement entities” are also allowed to purchase goods from the “partner countries” under condition they have free public procurement agreements with Ukraine.
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.).