Ministry of Defence gains authority to complete unfinished fortifications

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine is now authorized to take over and complete the construction of fortifications left unfinished by a state customer. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has amended the relevant procedure.

This will enable the completion of stalled fortification projects in critical frontline sectors and consolidate control of fortifications under military authority.

If a state customer cannot complete a fortification project, it may transfer the site to the Ministry of Defence by submitting a written notice with the following details:

• a justification of the circumstances preventing the completion of construction;
• design documentation and as-built records;
• certificates of completion and acceptance for the completed construction works;
• a statement of the cost of works performed and associated expenses.

The Ministry of Defence is required to notify the state customer of its decision within 10 days. A refusal may be issued only if there is no justification or the required documentation.

If approved, the state customer must submit the full set of documents to the Ministry of Defence. Following this, the Ministry of Defence establishes a commission and, based on its decision, formally takes the fortification structure onto its balance sheet.

This will enable the Ministry of Defence to independently complete the construction of critically important fortification projects in strategic sectors. Bringing fortifications into operation promptly will help reduce casualties among service members.