Ukraine's Anti-Corruption Drive Nets Officials in Drone Procurement Scandal

Mon Aug 04 2025 08:40:37 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Ukraine's Anti-Corruption Drive Nets Officials in Drone Procurement Scandal

Ukrainian authorities expose extensive bribery in military drone acquisitions, leading to arrests.


Recent arrests of Ukrainian officials reveal deep-rooted corruption in drone procurement, spotlighting ongoing anti-corruption efforts amid heightened public scrutiny and international pressure.


Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies have uncovered a massive bribery scheme linked to the procurement of military drones and electronic warfare systems, leading to the arrest of a Ukrainian MP and several officials, including heads of city and district administrations and National Guard personnel. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed these developments in a statement on X, noting that contracts had been signed with suppliers at prices inflated by as much as 30%. He emphasized a "zero tolerance" approach to corruption and expressed gratitude for the agencies’ efforts in tackling the issue.

This action comes as Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies recently regained their independence following significant public protests against a controversial bill threatening to reduce their operational autonomy. The backlash followed Zelensky's proposal to allow the general prosecutor – an office historically seen as vulnerable to political influence – greater control over high-level corruption prosecutions. The proposed bill led to significant unrest, marking the largest anti-government protests since Russia's invasion began in 2022.

Zelensky addressed the public's outrage and swiftly introduced a new bill to re-establish the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP), which was approved by parliament shortly after the initial proposal. Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Defence Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate, commended the president for responding to public sentiment regarding anti-corruption governance and avoiding further missteps.

This restoration of independence is crucial for Ukraine as it seeks closer integration with the European Union (EU). Since their inception in 2014, NABU and SAP have been instrumental in investigating widespread corruption, including the recent arrest of the head of Ukraine's Supreme Court, Vsevolod Kniaziev, in connection with a substantial bribery case. The events highlight the ongoing struggle of Ukraine to combat corruption amid its quest for EU membership and alignment with Western standards and practices.

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