We do not hide: Border guards displayed ammunition supplied to the Ukrainian Armed Forces under a contract worth 23 billion hryvnias
Ukraine not only clearly states its transparency in military procurement but also presents tangible evidence of work with defense contracts, continuing an active procurement of ammunition for the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Official representatives of the State Border Guard Service (SBGS) released new proof—the footage and samples of weapons and shells that are already in the process of delivery to frontline units and are actively used by Ukrainian soldiers at the front. In the photographs published on April 29, you can see a diverse arsenal: calibers of 152 mm and 122 mm, multiple launch rocket systems, and 120 mm mines. The images also include samples of ammunition of various types, which, according to the Service spokesman Colonel Andriy Demchenko, are no longer just stored in depots but have found their direct application on the front lines. The military personnel of our country have full access to use this weaponry, and the Russian occupiers are directly feeling their impact. Demchenko emphasized in his comment that the procurement of ammunition worth 23 billion hryvnias is carried out within the delegated authority of the Ministry of Defense and under the control of relevant services. "We do not conceal, nor will we hide, our steps, because all this equipment and ammunition matter not only for our defenders but also for destroying the enemies. It is a real contribution to victory, and that is why we openly demonstrate the delivery processes," he stressed. The contract has, of course, become a subject of public discussion and criticism, notably from some opponents who questioned the timely delivery of military supplies. However, the official position of the border guards is unambiguous—the process is ongoing and on schedule. "We made the payment for the contracts back in December 2024. The delivery timelines are until the end of the year, and deliveries are already underway," Demchenko notes. "The supply partner—company 'PHU Lechmar'—is fully adhering to the schedule and fulfilling its obligations, and no delays in delivery have been recorded." According to SBGS representatives, control over contract execution and delivery timelines is maintained round-the-clock. They emphasize that ammunition procurement is not a costly fairy-tale process but a serious and transparent activity, with every step under open oversight. At the same time, the department highlights that this ammunition is already significantly affecting the course of combat operations. Because if Ukrainian military personnel see or use it, the Russian invaders directly feel its destructive power. **Background and Context** Changes in the procurement and financing system for ammunition for the Ukrainian Armed Forces began in December 2024. At that time, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Defense Procurement Agency announced their intention to utilize the 23 billion hryvnias allocated by the state to purchase urgent ammunition. The focus of this program is specifically on ensuring the combat readiness of Ukrainian units, especially amidst the active phase of the war. It is worth noting that the company "PHU Lechmar" is involved in this process, supplying in accordance with the concluded contracts. However, criticism has also arisen. In March 2025, Deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak, citing a response from SBGS, provided information about the company's debts amounting to 1.7 billion hryvnias due to non-fulfilled or delayed deliveries. At the same time, the department itself states that this debt does not pertain to the ammunition procurement contracts for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. According to officials, the debt situation does not impact the execution of the main contracts. "We are systematically monitoring contractual compliance, and all deliveries are made according to the scheduled plan," Demchenko assures. He also adds that border guards monitor the processes around the clock to ensure the undeniable fulfillment of orders for the country's defense. **Overall, the official position of the Ukrainian military and border guards is clear: transparency, control, and efficiency are the guarantee of our security and independence. They openly demonstrate that budget funds are being spent correctly and that this direction is a priority for strengthening our front and achieving victory in this war.**