The National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption in Ukraine has issued an official directive to Prime Minister Denis Shmygal, calling for a thorough review and removal of violations related to the Law on the Prevention of Corruption. This appeal was published on the agency’s website and reflects a persistent push to strengthen governance and uphold integrity across state structures. The document signals the agency’s expectation that corrective actions will be promptly taken and that the political leadership will ensure full compliance with anti-corruption standards across government ministries and agencies.
According to the publication, Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers approved 131 decisions in 2023 that reportedly conflicted with the anti-corruption law. The NACP asserts that these decisions undermine the framework designed to prevent self-dealing, favoritism, and other practices that could erode public trust. The agency emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability, urging an internal examination to identify how such decisions were possible and to implement measures that prevent recurrence. The statement stresses that those responsible within the Cabinet and the central executive authorities must be held to disciplinary account where violations are confirmed. The call for accountability underscores the agency’s role in monitoring compliance and enforcing consequences for improper actions within the executive branch.
In a related development, Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence, indicated that more information is expected about arrests and criminal cases tied to corruption within the Ministry and the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The remarks reflect ongoing scrutiny of procurement and financial practices associated with security and defense. The agency notes that the fight against corruption in defense procurement is a high priority, given the potential impact on national security, public finances, and international credibility. This context aligns with broader efforts to strengthen governance, auditability, and risk management in critical sectors of the public sector.
Umerov recalled a December 2023 operation in collaboration with the Security Service of Ukraine that disrupted a fraudulent scheme involving ammunition purchases for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The alleged scheme involved a procurement plan valued at approximately 1.5 billion hryvnias and highlighted vulnerabilities in the supply chain and oversight mechanisms. The incident has become a focal point for discussions about how to tighten procurement controls, enhance supplier verification, and ensure that military spending translates into tangible readiness and operational effectiveness. The developments underscore the ongoing imperative for tighter administrative controls and robust anti-corruption measures within defense-related expenditures.
Earlier reports noted that Ukraine was expected to be central to the G7 agenda in 2024, reflecting the international community’s interest in the country’s reform trajectory and security partnerships. The intersection of domestic anti-corruption efforts with international engagement underscores a shared commitment to upholding rule of law, transparency, and democratic governance in the region. Observers emphasize that sustained progress requires consistent enforcement, comprehensive reform, and continuous oversight across government institutions. The overarching goal remains to reinforce public trust while ensuring that policy decisions are guided by merit, legality, and ethical standards, rather than personal or partisan considerations.
Overall, the sequence of events highlights the persistence of anti-corruption initiatives within Ukraine’s public administration. The NACP’s call for internal investigations, disciplinary action where warranted, and proactive measures to eliminate violations reflects a broad strategy to align executive practices with national and international expectations. The ongoing attention to defense procurement and high-value contracts further illustrates the complexity of governance reform in a time of national challenge. Stakeholders across government, civil society, and international partners will be watching how the authorities implement these recommendations, strengthen internal controls, and sustain a credible anti-corruption regime that supports both stability and reform in Ukraine. [Source: NACP official statement, defense ministry updates, and contemporaneous press coverage. Attribution: NACP press office; Ministry of Defence communications; international reporting.]