Defence logistics to German standards: an interview with Kostyantyn Shelipov, Head of ITO Global Logistics Ukraine

Ukraine’s defence industry is entering a new phase of development. Partnerships between Ukrainian and international manufacturers are on the rise, a culture of technological collaboration is taking shape, and against the backdrop of reduced support from some partners, Europe — particularly Germany — is demonstrating steady, long-term commitment.

In this partner interview, Kostyantyn Shelipov, General Manager of ITO Global Logistics Ukraine, explains how the market is evolving, what happens behind the scenes of defence logistics, and why “grinding it out” during wartime is, in his words, “cool.”

You have managed logistics at large international companies. What made you decide to move into the defence industry?

In November 2023, I decided to join the Help Ukraine Win mission. It was more important than any of my previous achievements. I understood that my experience in complex logistics could have a real impact on the outcome.

As it turned out, I became the first Ukrainian employee of a foreign defence startup that, at the time, lacked trust. There were no systems in place, no standards. But today, those projects have grown into successful companies. I’m proud to have been there at the moment of market entry and scaling.

You transitioned from the automotive and heavy machinery industries to UAVs. How challenging was the shift?

In fact, I was ready for it. I had been interested in technology for many years, building computers and working with radio electronics. Engineering and technology have always been my element.

In 2023, I obtained certifications as a UAV operator and engineer. This allowed me not only to manage supply chains but also to deeply understand the technical needs of production.

Do the partnerships you built in previous projects help in your new field?

Yes. I have always advocated for long-term, partnership-based relationships. I’m still in contact with many manufacturers, suppliers, and contractors. Looking at my career as a whole, some of these relationships go back 10–15 years or more. We remain in touch, support each other, and share experiences. That’s how it should be.

After completing defence contracts, you joined ITO Global Logistics. Why did you choose this company?

Because it represents Germany at its best. The company was founded in 1978. Over that time, it has delivered large volumes of military and humanitarian supplies — from UN programmes to supporting Ukraine’s critical infrastructure.

But the main thing is the human approach. Communication without pretence or unnecessary formality. Simply, people who genuinely care.

How long has ITO Global Logistics been operating in Ukraine?

The company has been operating in Ukraine under intergovernmental contracts since 2024. In light of the strengthening cooperation between Germany and Ukraine, ITO Global Logistics has made a strategic decision to expand its presence in Ukraine. The local team currently consists of several specialists, but the company is actively growing and scaling its operations.

In addition to its office in Ukraine, ITO Global Logistics has offices in Germany, as well as in Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Mali, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, and Tunisia. The company also operates in other countries through a network of local partners.

What does ITO Global Logistics do?

ITO Global Logistics operates across a wide range of defence and specialised transport services. The company provides logistics for:

• Military equipment;
• Equipment and machinery for the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) and other units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs;
• Specialised systems for units of Ukraine’s Defence Forces;
• Oversized and heavy cargo; Dual-use goods;
• Full-cycle ADR transport (Classes 1–9), including permits, escort, and compliance with international standards;
• International startups aiming to enter the Ukrainian market with their products.

This is not just transportation. It is a set of end-to-end solutions that enable manufacturers and government institutions to operate without delays or risks.

What sets the company apart from others?

For a long time, the market faced a typical problem: as soon as a logistics provider was told that a shipment was dual-use — for example, a drone — the answer was the same: “We don’t transport this.” This applied even to large Ukrainian logistics companies. In wartime, such an approach created critical delays and risks for defence projects.

ITO Global Logistics operates differently. The company and its team fully understand the importance of defence logistics, which is why clients will not hear the word “no”. ITO provides full end-to-end support, takes on complex cases, and finds solutions where others see only limitations. It is about responsibility, partnership, and real support for the country in wartime.

Thanks to its specialisation in complex and sensitive logistics, ITO handles a significant volume of transportation for global intergovernmental organisations whose work is focused on maintaining international peace and security.

Can you name the clients of ITO Global Logistics?

Operating in an industry with heightened confidentiality requirements, the company does not disclose its clients’ names. The only thing that can be stated is that ITO is involved in projects aligned with the mission of international defence, security, and humanitarian organisations.

ITO Global Logistics places special emphasis on information security and holds ISO 27001 certification — an official confirmation that the company has implemented an information security management system and complies with international standards for data protection, risk management, and security processes.

Thanks to its experience and expertise, the company can organise the transport of a wide range of specialised cargo — from oversized military equipment and ammunition to unmanned systems and their components. Depending on the client’s needs, each logistics solution is tailored individually and delivered end-to-end.

You say that you know for sure what will work and what won’t. Where does such confidence come from?

Because I have been on both sides. I know what the business expects and what a logistics provider can deliver.

My goal is to become Ukraine’s first specialised logistics provider for dual-use, military, and humanitarian cargo.

What does the company plan to do to achieve this? What are the nearest steps for ITO Global Logistics?

The next steps are:

• Accreditations at various levels of defence associations and committees;
• Engaging major Ukrainian and international manufacturers;
• Supporting exports from Ukraine;
• Complex schemes for temporary import, testing, and re-export.

This is not even a plan — it’s more of an operational roadmap. We are progressing rapidly, and we are understood and supported, as our work is for the benefit of Ukraine.

What would you like to say to readers and the market?

ITO Global Logistics is not just about Germany and Ukraine — it is about a much broader coverage. We transport cargo from many countries worldwide using all modes of transportation.

Here I am doing what I love. I want to contribute as much as possible to supporting my country. This is about service, not just business.

I invite everyone to collaborate — clients, carriers, and those working within the defence, humanitarian, and critical logistics ecosystem. I welcome new connections and the expansion of our network.