Heated response to Chmut’s post
On August 31, 2026, Taras Chmut, the head of the Come Back Alive foundation, posted a message suggesting that the explosions in the village of Myla might never be punished because arms manufacturers are considered “their own people.” The statement infuriated Denys Shtilerman, co-owner of the Ukrainian company Fire Point, which makes Flamingo rockets and the FP-1 and FP-2 kamikaze drones. In a comment under Chmut’s post, Shtilerman called him
“a scoundrel”and accused him of lying. The public exchange highlights how sensitive defense procurement and accountability have become in wartime Ukraine.
At the time of publication, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry had issued no comment and no one had been held to account. Mariana Bezuhla said that “Prytula’s people” are returning to the ministry. Some social media users have suggested that Russia’s strike on Myla could be used as an excuse for the absence of Flamingo missile launches against Moscow.
Fire Point in the spotlight
Fire Point also appears in the Mindich case, which makes Chmut’s remarks especially resonant. Even though Chmut did not name specific individuals, his post drew a fierce retort from Shtilerman. Bezuhla described the situation as still tense, with the Defense Ministry refraining from comment and public opinion divided.
The clash between the Come Back Alive foundation and Fire Point brings into focus serious issues of wartime responsibility and the ties between Ukrainian business and state institutions. Such disputes can damage company reputations and, more broadly, public confidence in the government, especially during a war. How this confrontation unfolds could influence future defense decisions and military procurement in Ukraine.