Investigation of high-profile events and oversight of international assistance: key outcomes of the activities of the Main Inspectorate of the Ministry of Defence in 2024

In 2024, the Main Inspectorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine conducted 118 planned and unscheduled inspections. The objectives of these inspections included strengthening democratic civilian oversight over the Armed Forces of Ukraine and improving management and planning processes in accordance with NATO principles.

In addition, the Main Inspectorate focused on reorganizing measures and procedures for procuring weapons and military equipment under government orders, as well as enhancing resource management processes, particularly concerning international military aid. In this way, the objective of establishing a robust system for the accounting and reporting of military equipment and arms received through international aid was fulfilled.

This year, functional audits were conducted to evaluate the activities of structural divisions within the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. These audits addressed issues such as preventing duplication of tasks and functions, inspecting scientific institutions and divisions of the Ministry of Defence, assessing digitalization efforts within the Ministry's framework, and reviewing the construction of military engineering and fortification structures, as well as the equipment of defensive positions.

The Main Inspectorate also focused on organizing internal control and risk management, assessing the quality control system for material supplies provided to meet the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and ensuring the accuracy and legality of additional remuneration payments to military personnel, among other issues.

The outcomes of the efforts included reports and statements containing proposals for appropriate management decisions by the leadership of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Internal investigations of high-profile events and incidents became integral to these activities. For example, following the russian missile strike on Poltava on September 3, which resulted in 59 fatalities, inspectors of the Ministry of Defence carried out an internal investigation into the safety conditions at training centers and military unit preparation facilities. In November, the Main Inspectorate addressed media reports regarding the mobilization by the Obukhiv District Enlistment Office of individuals suspected of raping a minor. It was established that the information disseminated was false.

“In the upcoming year, we plan to continue our efforts across several crucial defense sectors, collaborating with global partners. This will enable the more effective application of Western standards for inspection and evaluation,” said Lieutenant General Ihor Lunyov, Acting Inspector General of the Main Inspectorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.