Ukrainian investigators have opened a criminal case involving Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, a move likely to deepen a standoff in his ministry over arms procurement that could strain Kyiv's ties with important Western allies.

A spat between Ukraine’s defense minister and the country’s weapons procurement agency has escalated into a PR crisis. Now, Western officials and anti-corruption groups fear it could weaken U.S. support for Kyiv and jeopardize weapons deliveries,

Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau is investigating Defence Minister Rustem Umerov for alleged abuse of power after he overruled a board decision on procurement. View on euronews

Ukraine's government on Tuesday sacked a deputy defence minister in charge of weapons purchases amid infighting over procurement that is complicating Kyiv's attempt to reassure key Western partners at a critical moment in the war with Russia.