Head of Ukrainian arms concern resigns after deadly Vyshneve tragedy

Herman Smetanin has stepped down as the general director of Ukroboronprom, Ukraine's state-owned defense conglomerate. His departure comes in the wake of a devastating ammunition depot explosion in Vyshneve, which resulted in nine fatalities and 58 injuries. The incident, which occurred during a Russian attack on the night of July 5-6, also caused extensive damage to nearby homes and infrastructure.

Smetanin announced his resignation via a statement, expressing that it had been an honor to lead the company. He cited the development of a professional team within Ukroboronprom as his most significant achievement. "I wish the new leadership and the entire team further success in fulfilling this important state mission," Smetanin stated.

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Today I am ending my work as general director of the joint-stock company Ukrainian Defense Industry, that is, Ukroboronprom. It was an honor for me to lead Ukraine's largest arms company.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously indicated that personnel changes would be made within Ukroboronprom following the Vyshneve tragedy. In response to the incident, Ukroboronprom announced on July 12 the dismissal of management from two of its subsidiary state enterprises. Smetanin first took the helm of Ukroboronprom in 2023 and was reappointed in August 2025 after a competitive selection process. Prior to this, he managed another state defense enterprise, the Kharkiv Armored Vehicle Plant.

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I wish the new leadership and the entire team further success in fulfilling this important state mission.