Duma says she quit ARMA of her own will: No comment on others’ statements

Olena Duma, former head of the National Agency for Asset Recovery and Management (ARMA), told LIGA.net in an interview that her resignation was voluntary, despite public statements suggesting otherwise by Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko.

On July 30, Svyrydenko announced that she had submitted a proposal to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to fully reboot ARMA — a move supported by the president. That same day, Duma was officially dismissed.

In the interview, Duma firmly denied that she had been pressured to step down.

“I submitted my resignation of my own free will, and the government accepted it,” she said.

“Whatever anyone says next – I am not in a position to comment on their statements," Duma added.

She also hinted at her intention to return to government service:

“The state will definitely need me again, and I will never betray national interests.”

• Duma served as head of ARMA from June 30, 2023, to July 30, 2025.
• Her replacement is expected to be chosen through an open competition, in line with the updated ARMA legislation.