Zelensky instructs Defense Ministry to sign contract with Ukroboronprom's plant

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's Office says the Defense Ministry will sign a contract in September 2020 to purchase three berths from Kherson-based state-run Pallada plant, part of Ukraine's state-owned Ukroboronprom Concern.

During a wording trip to Kherson region, the president visited the plant, where the latter's CEO complained to Zelensky about the lack of government orders. According to the CEO, the enterprise is independently looking for buyers of its products.

Package of documents

During a phone conversation with Deputy Defense Minister Oleksandr Myroniuk, the president agreed that Pallada would prepare a package of documents for the order related to three berths by the end of the month.

Read alsoUkraine to showcase upgraded Uragan MLRS at arms expo"We encourage everything that will allow supporting the enterprises and keeping people's jobs," Zelensky said.

Training program

Employees also complained about the lack of professionals for such plants as Pallada, and asked about the possibility to set up a relevant training program for workers.

Failed tenders

Almost half of Defense Ministry's tenders failed in the first half of 2020. Some 128 competitive tenders, accounting for 44.7% of the total number of announced tenders, with the total expected value of UAH 3.46 billion (US$125.9 million) were canceled.