By Mike Eckel and Heorhiy Shabayev/(RFE/RL)

Moscow, March 7-Ukraine’s reputation for corruption has been a significant issue for many years, but there have been notable improvements over time, particularly since the Maidan protests of 2013-2014. These protests were largely driven by public outrage over government corruption, and the aftermath of that revolution brought about a push for reform. The election of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2019, with his promise to tackle corruption, further boosted hopes for change.

However, corruption remains persistent, and while there have been advances, the country still struggles with graft in both the public and private sectors. Corruption scandals continue to surface, particularly within the military and government ministries, such as the Defense Ministry’s procurement issues. These scandals have been met with public outrage, and several high-profile individuals have faced investigations and charges.

On the positive side, Ukrainian civil society has become more engaged, with watchdog organizations like Transparency International and anti-corruption groups pushing for greater accountability. These efforts have led to greater transparency and some reforms, such as setting up specialized agencies to monitor military procurement. Investigative journalism has also played a key role in exposing corruption, and more people are now willing to challenge the status quo.

Ukraine has made some progress in improving its Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index ranking, but it still lags behind many European countries. The fact that corruption scandals are publicly reported and lead to investigations is seen as a sign of progress, compared to more authoritarian regimes where such issues are swept under the rug.

Overall, while Ukraine has made significant strides in addressing corruption, the problem is far from eradicated. The challenges of wartime corruption and entrenched systemic issues remain, but the fact that these issues are openly discussed and investigated is seen as a positive sign of the country’s ongoing reform efforts.

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