Summary for January 25: Scandal in the Ministry of Defense and the fate of U.S. aid.

A complaint against Umerov has been filed with NABU   The Center for Combating Corruption (CCC) has submitted a complaint to NABU regarding the possible commission of a crime by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. The Defense Minister's decision not to extend the contract with the head of the State Procurement Agency was made with an abuse of the powers granted to him by authorities and his official position, aimed at gaining profit and contrary to the interests of the Ministry of Defense, which also resulted in severe consequences for Ukraine and its defense capabilities, noted the CCC.   The Public Anti-Corruption Council under the Ministry of Defense has urged the NSDC and the political leadership of the state to immediately intervene in the conflict between the Ministry of Defense and the Defense Procurement Agency. This scandal could disrupt the agency's operations and undermine international assistance and the country's reputation.   The US continues military aid to Ukraine – CCD   The directives from the US State Department regarding the suspension of foreign aid do not affect military support for Ukraine. This was reported by the Center for Combating Disinformation under the NSDC. It is noted that the two main programs – PDA (Presidential Drawdown Authority) and USAI (Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative), through which weapons are supplied to Ukraine, continue to operate unchanged.   The US has suspended civilian projects in Ukraine and programs for accepting Ukrainians   The US is halting funding for humanitarian projects in Ukraine. The corresponding directive was received by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Among the frozen projects are support for schools and assistance in the healthcare sector, particularly emergency aid for mothers and vaccination for children. Decisions regarding the future of these programs will be made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio after a review over the next 85 days.   Additionally, the US has suspended programs that allowed immigrants to temporarily settle in the US. Among them is a key initiative that provided entry opportunities for Ukrainians. The new administration is now reviewing these programs and deciding whether to terminate them.   Drones have attacked the oil refinery in Ryazan again   On Sunday night, drones once again attacked the oil refinery and oil depot in the Russian city of Ryazan. A large fire broke out. The CCC under the NSDC commented on this: "The Ryazan refinery is being targeted. This fuel is for military equipment and more." The previous attack occurred two days ago.   Zelensky made statements regarding peace negotiations   Ukraine cannot be excluded from any negotiation process, as Russia is waging war not only against Ukraine but against the entire world. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelensky during a press conference with Moldova's leader Maia Sandu. He noted that Ukraine, the US, Europe, and Russia should participate in the platform for possible negotiations. However, it cannot be said today about the structure, as there is still no common plan.   Zelensky also explained the ban on negotiations with the Russian Federation. According to him, this was done to stop separatism in Ukraine. He clarified that Putin was actively establishing various channels alongside separatists and representatives of other states to influence Ukraine. The decision to ban negotiations, according to Zelensky, quickly halted these "shadow corridors."