Western officials warn Ukraine over weapons procurement dispute

Fresh Russian attacks struck the city of Kharkiv. Picture: AP

Western officials have warned Ukraine that an escalating rift between the Defence Minister and procurement chief may jeopardise trust in the country, and urged the government to resolve the situation quickly so as not to disrupt weapons supplies.

The conflict began last week when the Ukrainian Defence Procurement Agency’s board unanimously voted to extend director Maryna Bezrukova’s contract for another year.