In the midst of war, Ukraine is not only battling external threats but also confronting long-standing internal challenges—chief among them, corruption. As the country moves toward European and NATO integration, the effectiveness of its anti-corruption efforts will shape its future. To shed light on this crucial issue, we speak with Kateryna Odarchenko, a renowned political strategist, writer, and democracy advocate. With over 500 publications and a deep expertise in governance and electoral strategy, she provides a critical perspective on corruption’s impact on Ukraine’s stability, international relations, and prospects for reform.
HELLO KATERYNA ODARCHENKO, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! HOW SIGNIFICANT DO YOU THINK CORRUPTION IS IN UKRAINE COMPARED TO OTHER CHALLENGES THE COUNTRY FACES DURING THE WAR?
There has been a significant shift in public concerns. While military actions were initially the primary focus, economic challenges and corruption have now taken center stage. Historically, corruption has always ranked among the top three concerns for Ukrainians, even before the war. This issue remains crucial, as it directly impacts the country’s stability, governance, and international partnerships.
WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS WHERE CORRUPTION REMAINS MOST PREVALENT IN UKRAINE TODAY?
Currently, Ukrainians highlight widespread corruption in the Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Centers (TCK, formerly known as military commissariats), particularly in the context of mobilization. The war has exposed systemic corruption in defense procurement, state-owned enterprises, and public procurement processes. Numerous investigative reports, such as those from Ukrainska Pravda, have revealed questionable defense contracts, procurement fraud, and even luxury goods purchases by officials during wartime. The sale of a Rolls-Royce in Ukraine, despite ongoing economic hardship, became a recent high-profile case of perceived impunity.
DO YOU BELIEVE THE GOVERNMENT IS TAKING EFFECTIVE STEPS TO COMBAT CORRUPTION? WHY OR WHY NOT?
While some steps have been taken, implementation remains slow and inconsistent. Ukraine has established institutions like the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NAZK), both designed to tackle corruption. However, these bodies face institutional resistance, and their effectiveness depends on broader systemic reforms, including judicial and law enforcement changes. Additionally, the process of corporatization and privatization of state-owned enterprises—often a source of corruption—remains incomplete.
HOW HAS PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF CORRUPTION CHANGED SINCE THE WAR BEGAN?
Public frustration with corruption has intensified. While many Ukrainians previously saw it as a chronic issue, it is now viewed as an urgent threat to national security and resilience. Citizens are particularly outraged by the blatant nature of some corruption cases, as well as the lack of swift consequences for those involved. The perception that some officials continue business as usual, even during wartime, has fueled demands for greater transparency and accountability.
WHAT IMPACT DOES CORRUPTION HAVE ON INTERNATIONAL AID AND UKRAINE’S RELATIONSHIPS WITH GLOBAL PARTNERS?
International partners have long emphasized the need for anti-corruption reforms as a key condition for financial and military aid. For example, Ukraine’s EU integration process required judicial reforms and the strengthening of anti-corruption institutions. Similarly, NATO’s engagement with Ukraine includes governance and transparency requirements. While Ukraine has made progress, delays in fully implementing these reforms sometimes create concerns among partners about aid effectiveness.
WHAT REFORMS OR ANTI-CORRUPTION MEASURES DO YOU BELIEVE COULD BRING THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE?
The most effective measures would include:
• Reforming the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Prosecutor’s Office to reduce political influence.
• Limiting presidential powers and transitioning to a parliamentary republic to decentralize decision-making.
• Strengthening anti-corruption institutions by ensuring their independence and providing adequate resources.
• Enhancing corporate governance in state-owned enterprises or accelerating their privatization under transparent conditions.
Many post-Soviet countries struggle with excessive centralization, which fuels corruption. Reducing this through institutional reform is essential.
HOW DO YOU SEE UKRAINE’S FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION INFLUENCING ITS PATH TOWARD EU AND NATO INTEGRATION?
Anti-corruption efforts are directly tied to Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration. The EU accession process requires harmonization of laws, judicial independence, and transparent governance. NATO membership also involves strict governance and integrity standards. The pace and depth of Ukraine’s reforms in these areas will determine how quickly it moves toward full membership in both organizations.
WHAT ROLE DO MEDIA AND CIVIL SOCIETY PLAY IN EXPOSING AND ADDRESSING CORRUPTION IN UKRAINE?
Media and civil society are at the forefront of Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts. Investigative journalism has uncovered numerous corruption cases, pressuring authorities to act. Civil society organizations play a vital role in advocating for reforms and holding officials accountable. However, successful implementation of reforms requires political will, which remains a challenge. While public pressure has led to progress, systemic change is still needed.
If you would like to know more about her, you can visit her on Linkedin @katerynaodarchenko and Instagram @kodarchenko
