Corruption probes in Ukraine show Kyiv is doing ‘exactly what the EU wants,’ deputy PM says
Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Progress Amid War
Corruption probes in Ukraine show Kyiv – In the heart of a nation enduring its fifth year of conflict with Russia, Ukraine’s anti-corruption initiatives are gaining momentum. Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka, responsible for steering the country’s EU integration efforts, recently asserted to Euronews that these investigations are precisely what the European Union has been advocating. According to Kachka, the current state of Ukraine’s institutional efficiency demonstrates that Kyiv is on track to meet the EU’s expectations, despite the ongoing war and the challenges it has imposed.
Efficiency in Governance Despite Conflict
Kachka emphasized that Ukraine’s commitment to anti-corruption measures remains steadfast, even as Russia’s invasion continues to strain the country’s resources. “Ukraine is now living through the war and the dramatic change of its political culture,” he stated during an interview. This transformation, he noted, has addressed issues that once hindered the nation’s path to EU membership. Corruption, which had plagued Ukraine’s governance for decades, is now being systematically dismantled, he said, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to transparency and accountability.
Despite the war’s impact, Ukraine has managed to maintain its anti-corruption framework, which has been a cornerstone of its pro-Western reforms. Kachka highlighted the progress made by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), two key institutions tasked with rooting out graft. These agencies have become central to the nation’s efforts to align with European standards, a goal that has gained urgency in the wake of Russia’s aggression.
Key Probes Target Systemic Corruption
Recent operations by NABU and SAPO have uncovered a major scheme involving the laundering of approximately €9 million between 2021 and 2025. The alleged corruption centered around the construction of high-end residential properties in Kozyn, a affluent suburb located south of Kyiv. Funds for this project are said to have originated from illicit activities linked to Ukraine’s state-owned energy company, Enerhoatom. Among those implicated is Andriy Yermak, former chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was released on €2.7 million bail after a brief detention.
Kachka praised these efforts, calling them “exactly what the EU wants us to do.” He argued that the anti-corruption framework is not only functional but also proving its effectiveness. Last year alone, NABU initiated 737 cases, while SAPO secured 125 indictments against over 200 individuals. The High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine, which handles these cases, issued 93 sentences against 130 people, underscoring the system’s operational success.
The framework’s establishment in 2023, amid the full-scale Russian invasion, has been a critical milestone. Kachka acknowledged that the anti-corruption scandals, though still a source of controversy, are part of a broader process aimed at eliminating systemic issues. “We are not looking for any excuses with the partners,” he said, emphasizing Ukraine’s determination to uphold its reforms without compromise.
Political Tensions and Institutional Independence
The anti-corruption agencies’ independence has been a key factor in their effectiveness. Created in 2015 as part of the pro-Western reforms following the 2014 Revolution of Dignity, which ousted pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych, NABU and SAPO were designed to operate without political interference. Their role is to investigate top-level corruption and ensure that cases are prosecuted with impartiality.
However, recent months have seen tensions between the state security service (SBU) and the anti-corruption bodies. Last summer, the SBU launched a series of raids targeting NABU, accusing it of harboring Russian spies and having ties to a banned party linked to a fugitive politician. Over a dozen employees were searched, and two detectives were detained. The SBU claimed one individual was arrested for alleged Russian spy activities, while another was detained on suspicion of business connections with Moscow.
Both NABU and SAPO swiftly denied the accusations, asserting that the SBU’s actions were a preemptive move to weaken their independence. They argued that the raids were part of a strategy to prepare for a parliamentary vote that would later strip the anti-corruption institutions of their autonomy. This development has sparked debates about the balance between national security and institutional integrity, with critics warning of potential political manipulation.
Kachka, however, remains confident in the resilience of Ukraine’s anti-corruption mechanisms. He pointed out that the framework was fully operational in 2023, despite the SBU’s efforts to undermine it. “It means that it works, this anti-corruption framework works,” he reiterated, highlighting the country’s progress in building a system that can withstand external pressures.
Public Response and Long-Term Goals
The government’s anti-corruption campaign has not only targeted officials but also galvanized public support. Thousands of Ukrainians took to the streets to protest a proposed law that would have weakened the independence of the anti-corruption institutions, calling on President Zelenskyy to veto it. This grassroots movement reflects the nation’s broader aspirations to align with EU values, even as it faces the realities of war.
Kachka’s comments underscore the EU’s role in shaping Ukraine’s governance. The creation of NABU and SAPO was a prerequisite for visa liberalisation, a key step in the country’s integration into the European bloc. By maintaining these institutions, Ukraine has demonstrated its ability to resist external influences and stay committed to its reform agenda. The Deputy PM’s assertion that the country is “doing exactly what the EU wants” serves as both a validation of progress and a statement of intent to continue this path.
While acknowledging the challenges posed by Russia’s invasion, Kachka remains optimistic about Ukraine’s future. He noted that the war has accelerated the nation’s political transformation, pushing leaders to prioritize transparency over traditional power structures. “The anti-corruption framework works,” he said, adding that its success is a testament to Ukraine’s resolve to build a more accountable and efficient government.
The ongoing investigations, coupled with the public’s active engagement, signal a turning point for Ukraine. As the nation navigates the complexities of war and reform, its anti-corruption efforts are not only clearing the path for EU membership but also reinforcing its identity as a resilient and forward-looking state. Kachka’s remarks, though brief, encapsulate the spirit of this movement, highlighting the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
