Anti-Corruption Council raises alarm over Defense Ministry’s mortar contract deals. Serhiy Zgurets' column

Dangerous procurement in Defense Ministry

Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Defense Forces have neutralized 900,800 Russian soldiers. The General Staff reported this. Over the last day alone, the Armed Forces of Ukraine eliminated 1,300 invaders. British intelligence notes that over the past three years, 200 to 250 thousand Russian aggressors have been killed on the battlefield. These figures are significant, but the enemy's losses could have been even greater.

Currently, brigades in the hottest areas of the frontline are limited to about 50 mines per day, which is insufficient. Ukraine hopes for help from its partners, including the supply of two million shells from the European Union and ammunition from the Czech initiative. However, it is important that Ukraine also produces its own ammunition and weapons. Sometimes there are difficulties with the realization of this task.

Against this backdrop, the Public Anti-Corruption Council under the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine issued a statement that has not yet received sufficient media coverage. In the statement, the Council expressed concern about the Ministry of Defense's decision to order a large volume of 120 mm mines from state-owned manufacturers that have repeatedly failed to fulfill contracts. The Council emphasizes that purchasing from companies that have fulfilled less than 50% of previous contracts creates risks for the supply of necessary ammunition to the frontline.

The Council also notes that, despite the disruption of contracts and publicity, no one has been held accountable for the unreliable supply of mines or poor quality products. The situation concerns one of the state-owned enterprises subordinated to the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine. The Ministry of Defense plans to order 300,000 120-mm mines from this enterprise, despite the unfulfilled previous contract.

In this regard, the Public Anti-Corruption Council addressed the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Office with the following proposals: 

• The Ministry of Defense should introduce the practice of diversifying ammunition purchases from different manufacturers to avoid dependence on a single supplier.
• The number of complaints and ammunition returned to manufacturers should be made public.

The Ministry of Strategic Industries previously reported that 24,000 120-mm mines were to be replaced, and a significant portion of them have already been replaced. This story requires a detailed review and resolution of the problems with the supply of ammunition for the frontline.

At a press conference, Minister for Strategic Industries German Smetanin noted that there were problems with gunpowder. However, as it became known, it was decided to use fuses from tank shells instead of those designed for mortars in the production of mines. This led to the fact that the mines did not activate and did not explode because of the other fuze. It is not known who made this decision, but those responsible for these incidents need to be found.

The Public Anti-Corruption Council has announced that it will file a criminal complaint with law enforcement regarding improper actions by officials in their interactions with suppliers. The statement includes specific names, figures, and other details, which cannot be disclosed at this time.

The situation will continue, and the media will monitor the events related to the order of mines from a manufacturer that is not able to provide quality ammunition for the Defense Forces. On the frontline, where mines and ammunition are needed, our soldiers often compensate for the shortcomings of defense companies with their courage.

Frontline situation: Pokrovsk

Over the last day, 166 combat engagements took place in the frontline, 53 of them in the Pokrovsk direction. Units of the 12th Azov Brigade are actively operating in this area. An officer of the 12th Azov Brigade with the call sign Liryk said that the Russian troops continue to assault with armored vehicles and personnel, but the Ukrainian Armed Forces successfully repel these attacks.

Ukraine Russia war live map, March 8-15, Photo: Espreso

Recently, the Russians launched an assault involving five armored vehicles, including a tank and four infantry fighting vehicles, which were destroyed by Ukrainian FPV drones. The enemy is trying to advance in the directions of Malynivka, Nova Poltavka, Tarasivka, Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, but to no avail.

Earthquake operation 

The aim of the operation was to destroy the Russian fortifications, which were concentrated under the bridge pavement, which had been damaged earlier, Liryk says. The bridge sagged but was not completely destroyed, allowing the enemy to use it.

"The operation was meticulously planned with the involvement of all tactical headquarters, followed by preliminary training. The main task was to destroy the enemy directly in their shelters. First, the enemy was suppressed with artillery fire, air drops, and FPV drones. After that, a group of our soldiers advanced directly to the bridge, where they set up cumulative charges that created holes in the roadway. Explosives were then placed in these holes, which detonated the shelter along with the enemy. After the successful completion of the operation, the enemy no longer appears in this area," the serviceman explained.

According to the military, the operation was planned to minimize the movement of Ukrainian forces across open terrain. However, there was still a risk of detection on the bridge surface. Fortunately, weather conditions helped ensure the operation's success: a slight fog reduced visibility, and enemy drones flew over the Ukrainian forces without noticing them. Such tasks are common for special forces units.

Regarding the importance of this road junction and the bridge that was blown up, it is a good accumulation point for the enemy to further advance towards Malynivka or Nova Poltavka and move towards Kostiantynivka. This would pose a threat of a half-capture for the Ukrainian Defense Forces groups operating in the direction of Toretsk. In addition, the road across the bridge would allow the Russians to move reserves and advance along a specific route.

“The bridge itself was well protected from both FPV drones and artillery. The only way to harm the Russian invaders was to force them to hide under the bridge and destroy the cover. If the enemy were to gain a foothold at this point, it would be extremely difficult to drive them out. The operation was crucial in preventing this,” said Liryk.

FPV drones are used for precision strikes, stopping enemy advances and disabling equipment. When enemy personnel abandon their vehicles, artillery is used to effectively engage large concentrations of enemy forces. In addition, artillery has a demoralizing effect, forcing the enemy to panic and leave the battlefield. This combination of FPV drones, artillery, and other types of firepower is extremely effective.

Russian tactics at the front

The units operating in the Pokrovsk direction are well known, says Liryk. When it comes to the use of FPV drones or robotic ground platforms, for example, the Russians are actively using these means. They often use fiber-optic FPV drones. The occupiers demonstrate a high level of training in the use of these systems and are good at selecting priority targets.

However, when it comes to infantry and personnel, the Russian motivation leaves much to be desired. They are often sent without a clear understanding of the tasks. They can get lost even at a simple turn in the middle of the field, not knowing what to do next, trying to storm, but failing due to the effective actions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

There are no regular large-scale assaults, the military says. However, the Ukrainian Armed Forces observe regular attempts by the enemy to infiltrate in small groups trying to enter and gain a foothold in settlements.

“The enemy is using well-established tactics of small groups. They move around and try to accumulate in shelters. This tactic has some effectiveness, as our defenders are forced to constantly knock them out of their positions. The invaders find an opportunity to gain a foothold in basements, holes or other shelters, despite significant losses, and continue to advance. The enemy's assault actions do occur, but they are not constant. Their main tactic is to accumulate manpower and infiltrate in small groups," said Liryk.

Armored vehicles are typically used by the Russians to quickly deliver personnel to the front line and land them. After that, the armored vehicles try to withdraw if they are not destroyed by the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Such attempts are usually detected in advance by unmanned aerial vehicles, after which the enemy is attacked by FPV drones and artillery. This leads to the destruction of the enemy before reaching mortar positions or the front line.

Remote mining

As for tactics such as remote mining or barbed wire, these practices are widely used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Liryk said. They are very effective because they narrow the Russian mobility and reduce the number of corridors through which the enemy can infiltrate. Tank ditches, “dragon's teeth”, barbed wire significantly hinder the enemy's movement both with vehicles and on foot, ensuring a high level of effectiveness of this tactic. These measures are actively used and demonstrate significant results.

Ukrainian forces also use ground-based robotic systems, but their use requires certain conditions. 

“For example, such systems cannot move anywhere: even a simple obstacle, such as a closed gate in a private house, can become a barrier that makes it impossible to use the robot. In situations where it is necessary to blow up an enemy hiding in the basement, such restrictions can become critical,” the military said.

When it comes to delivering ammunition or food, the more popular approach is to drop it from heavy drones. It is faster and safer, as ground platforms, like drones, are often targeted by the enemy. The Russians actively use drones to destroy such platforms.

The Russian invaders also use similar ground-based systems. Information about their use regularly appears on social media and telegram channels, which allows the Ukrainian Armed Forces to analyze the Russian actions. The military closely follows these materials and, if necessary, even adapts useful solutions for its own use.

Transfer of new combat experience between units

The general training of personnel is carried out by specially appointed people, including sergeants and officers who work in their specialization, said an officer of the 12th Azov Brigade.

“When it comes to planning combat actions or certain operations, the headquarters is directly involved. The headquarters works in conjunction with the sections, carries out planning, analysis, and after the operations are completed, evaluates the actions taken. All actions are clearly regulated, there is a certain procedure and specific people responsible for each stage of the process,” he added.