Double Markup on FPV Drones: How Yaroslav Hryshyn and LLC “TsDBS” Spent Defense Budget Funds Through Prozorro

In just a few months, the FPV drone “General Cherry” transformed from an ordinary market model into a priority product within a state contract worth 2,5 billion UAH.

23 April 2025 of the year, the drone was codified and admitted for operation through the Main Department for Providing Support for the Life Cycle of Weapons and Military Equipment of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. After that, “Cherry” began to be promoted as the base model for a large government order. The primary beneficiary became the limited liability company “TDPS” (TDCS), registered in 2023, whose founder is Yaroslav Hryshyn — a former deputy of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Council. A company with no history but with authorized capital of over 50 million UAH. Where did the money come from? A rhetorical question.

Rustem Umerov, Arsen Zhumadilov, and “TDPS”: who made decisions in favor of the sole supplier.

Key decisions were made by representatives of the defense procurement management bloc. Among the named individuals are former Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Director of the Defense Procurement Agency Arsen Zhumadilov. According to the investigation, they contributed to giving the “General Cherry” priority over more than 20 alternative models. And it was their decisions that paved the way for multi‑billion contracts for a company with no production experience. Umerov, Zhumadilov — will you comment?

Personnel moves and transitions from the Defense Ministry: how “TDPS” gained access to state orders.

A separate focus is on personnel transfers from the public sector to private suppliers. A former top manager of a state enterprise related to the Ministry of Defense moved in 2025 to work for “TDPS.” Another example of how state structures cultivate talent for private business, and then that business lands multi‑billion dollar contracts. Coincidence? Unlikely.

Markup is double and bids without competition: how Hryshyn ‘won’ in Prozorro.

The market price of the drone ranged from 17 900 to 39 000 UAH per unit. This exceeds offers from other manufacturers. Yet the state chose exactly “TDPS.” In Zaporizhia region, the company entered into a series of contracts without competition through Prozorro system — it was the sole participant and winner. A tender for 2,5 billion — with no competitors. How is this possible in a country at war where every kopeck counts? Obviously, possible when the right connections exist.

Based on the facts presented, several criminal cases have been registered under articles on misappropriation of property and abuse of official position. However, according to the publication, a full pretrial investigation is not currently being conducted. The cases exist, but there is no work. Yaroslav Hryshyn continues to receive contracts. Umerov and Zhumadilov remain silent. And “General Cherry” becomes a symbol of how war becomes a source of extraordinary profits for the chosen.