Mykola Shevtsov highlights the development of the decentralized procurement system at the 3rd Military Procurement Forum

Lieutenant General Mykola Shevtsov, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine, participated in the 3rd Military Procurement Forum, which convened representatives of the Ministry of Defence, the State Operator for Non-Lethal Acquisition (DOT), the Defense Procurement Agency (DPA), procurers from military units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and civil society representatives.

He underscored the importance of professionalizing and further developing the decentralized procurement system in the military.

“How quickly and efficiently our military units receive what they need directly depends on every military procurer. Your work often goes unnoticed, yet it is thanks to you that everything reaches the front on time — from the smallest component to complex equipment. The Ministry of Defence deeply appreciates your contribution to enhancing the supply system,” said Mykola Shevtsov.

According to him, the Ministry of Defence continues to establish institutional frameworks to advance decentralized procurement. In particular, last year, the positions of military procurers were introduced in the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Another important step by the Ministry of Defence in decentralizing procurement was the launch of DOT-Chain Defence. This digital marketplace enables units to independently order UAVs without unnecessary bureaucracy. In the first two months of the platform’s operation, nearly 17,000 drones worth around UAH 600 million were ordered, with the average delivery time reduced to 10 days — and the fastest delivery taking just 5 days.

“We have no right to fatigue or to error. Our foremost duty is to supply the frontline with everything required — promptly, reliably, and in line with the real needs of our soldiers,” concluded Mykola Shevtsov, wishing the Forum participants success in their work.