Allegations of corruption have been raised across the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Anna Skorokhod, a deputy to the head of the provisional investigative commission of the Verkhovna Rada, outlined the concerns in a report cited by UNN. The claims describe a pattern where payments are demanded from rank and file soldiers, shaping what is supposed to be a transparent and accountable force into a system where money can influence duty assignments and benefits. Readers should understand that these statements reflect allegations reported by a parliamentary inquiry and news outlets, not yet proven in court. The information highlights ongoing concerns about governance within the military and the need for independent oversight as Ukraine continues to modernize its security sector. The allegations come amid a broader push to root out corruption and strengthen civilian oversight of defense institutions.
According to Skorokhod, there have been repeated instances in which soldiers were asked to pay bribes. The described pattern involves a front-line roster compiled for a given period, listing around 100 soldiers, while the actual number deployed on the front lines runs closer to 60 or 70. The remaining personnel are reportedly offered a way out of direct combat through payments to their commanders. This arrangement undermines morale and creates uneven risk distribution among troops. It also raises questions about how such practices could affect data integrity, reporting, and resource allocation. It points to a broader culture in which financial gain can influence assignments and discipline within the force. The implications extend to training success, casualty avoidance, and public trust at home and abroad.
Skorokhod noted that some soldiers pay to obtain leave or to pass a military medical examination. In practice, this means payoffs that short-circuit the normal processes used to grant rest periods or to confirm medical fitness. The existence of such schemes can create a two-tier system where certain individuals gain privileges while others follow standard procedures. Observers worry that this dynamic erodes the chain of command, complicates recruitment, and complicates the management of staffing during wartime. It also highlights the need for stronger auditing, transparent rosters, and robust whistleblower protections to deter corrupt behavior and to ensure that personnel decisions reflect real capability and need rather than money changing hands. The focus remains on safeguarding the reliability and integrity of force structure during ongoing military commitments.
Early in November, Verkhovna Rada deputy Maryana Bezuglaya stated that Yevgeny Borisov, head of the Odessa regional recruitment center, resigned from the Armed Forces amid corruption allegations. Reports from Ukrainian journalists claim that the Borisov family acquired a villa and other property in Spain valued at about four and a half million dollars after martial law was declared in February 2022. The disclosures add a layer of scrutiny to how defense-related spending and procurement are monitored, especially in a period when Ukraine is seeking to strengthen governance and accountability across its security services. The resignation underscores the sensitivity of leadership roles within regional recruitment offices and the potential impact of corruption allegations on recruitment and morale within the armed forces. Investigations continue as officials discuss how to implement reforms that restore public confidence in the system.
A former general of the Armed Forces of Ukraine commented on the defense order, noting that corruption appears linked to failures in its execution. He described patterns of misprocurement, inflated costs, and delays that can undermine readiness. Critics say that without rigorous oversight and independent auditing, misaligned incentives will persist, making it harder to maintain sufficient stockpiles, research, and maintenance cycles required for ongoing security commitments. Supporters of reform point to international best practices and recommend improvements in procurement procedures, audit trails, and transparent reporting. In parallel, authorities are urged to reinforce whistleblower protections and to ensure that disciplinary actions are timely and commensurate with the severity of wrongdoing. The goal remains clear: to strengthen trust in the military establishment while preserving the operational capability needed in a difficult geopolitical landscape.
UNN and other outlets continue to report on these issues as Ukraine works to modernize its military and align with democratic norms. The unfolding discussions stress that corruption challenges are not merely administrative nuisances but matters that can affect frontline effectiveness and public trust. While officials promise reforms and stronger controls, observers insist that concrete steps, timely investigations, and visible accountability are essential to reassure troops, allies, and citizens that the armed forces operate with integrity and focus on national defense.