Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies, NABU and SAPO, announced on Saturday they had exposed a major graft scheme involving inflated contracts for military drones and signal jamming equipment.
A lawmaker, two local officials, and several National Guard members were allegedly involved, receiving kickbacks of up to 30% of the contracts’ value. The scheme involved manipulating state procurement to benefit certain suppliers, with four individuals arrested so far.
Public Outcry Forces Zelensky to Restore Anti-Corruption Agency Independence and Autonomy Swiftly
This discovery followed closely on the heels of a major political upheaval. Earlier, a government move to bring NABU and SAPO under the prosecutor-general’s authority triggered widespread protests, the largest since Russia’s 2022 invasion. The controversial move was seen as an attempt to undermine institutional independence, sparking outrage among Ukrainians.
Faced with public dissent, President Volodymyr Zelensky reversed his position, acknowledging the protests and swiftly submitting a bill to restore the agencies’ autonomy. Parliament passed the bill on Thursday, just two days before the corruption scandal was announced. Zelensky’s change of course marked a significant moment in Ukraine’s wartime governance, showing the influence of public pressure even amid conflict.
European Leaders Welcome Reform as Zelensky Reaffirms Anti-Corruption Commitment Amid Wartime Pressure
European officials, who had voiced alarm over the potential weakening of Ukraine’s anti-corruption framework, welcomed the legislative reversal. They had warned that curbing NABU and SAPO’s powers could threaten Ukraine’s progress toward European Union membership. The restoration of agency independence was seen as a crucial step in aligning Ukraine with EU standards.
In response to the newly exposed corruption case, Zelensky reiterated a firm stance: “zero tolerance for corruption.” He emphasized the need for teamwork between institutions and fair judicial outcomes. After meeting with NABU and SAPO leaders, he praised their efforts and signaled continued political support, an important message to both domestic audiences and international partners watching Ukraine’s reform efforts during wartime.
