Rustem Umerov

Former Minister of Defence of Ukraine (September 2023 – January 2026). Crimean Tatar businessman and politician who was dismissed amid the "Mindich tapes" scandal that triggered a broader government shake-up in early 2026. During his tenure, oversaw Western arms deliveries, expanded cooperation with Rheinmetall and other NATO suppliers, and launched Ukraine's first International Defence Industries Forum. Previously served as head of the State Property Fund of Ukraine and represented Ukraine in prisoner-of-war exchange negotiations.