Timur Mindich, a businessman under sanctions, and Rustem Umerov, the current Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, have been recorded discussing the potential sale of a 33% stake in the arms manufacturer FirePoint. This conversation was revealed through documented exchanges by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU).
According to journalist Mykhailo Tkach, investigations suggest that Mindich may be one of the beneficiaries of FirePoint, which has secured significant contracts from the Ministry of Defense, led by Umerov. In a previous interview, Mindich denied any connection to the company.
The recorded dialogue indicates that Mindich and Umerov were negotiating the sale for $600 million, with $300 million earmarked for company development and the remaining $300 million intended as a cash payout for shareholders, potentially including Mindich himself.
The conversation, conducted in Russian, features Mindich outlining the proposal for the sale and assessing the company’s value. He noted, “Yes, there is an offer. They want to invest 60% into the company and 40%, well, we can agree on a 50% cashout.” Umerov responded by seeking clarification on the valuation.
Mindich further elaborated, stating, “Yes, they want to buy at least 33%.” Umerov confirmed the valuation of $600 million, to which Mindich added, “Out of that, $300 million should go to the company, and $300 million to the shareholders.” Umerov inquired if that arrangement would be acceptable.
In November 2025, Denis Shtilerman, co-owner and chief designer of FirePoint, acknowledged that Mindich, who is under investigation for corruption in the Ukrainian energy sector, was seeking a 50% stake in the company.
Recent recordings reveal discussions between businessman Timur Mindich and Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov regarding the sale of a stake in FirePoint, amid ongoing corruption investigations. The negotiations suggest significant financial interests tied to the Ukrainian defense sector.
Source: Українська правда