Ukrainian investigators have opened a criminal case involving Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, a move likely to deepen a standoff in his ministry over arms procurement that could strain Kyiv's ties with important Western allies.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov opposed the reappointment of the head of the Armaments Procurement Agency. The controversial decision led to calls for the minister to be fired.

Western officials have warned that a growing dispute between Ukraine’s defense minister and the head of its procurement agency could undermine trust and disrupt weapons supplies

Ukraine's government on Tuesday sacked a deputy defence minister in charge of weapons purchases amid infighting over procurement that is complicating Kyiv's attempt to reassure key Western partners at a critical moment in the war with Russia.