International Anti-corruption Network Transparency International points at a high risk of corruption in the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (MOD), according to new Transparency International research published on its website on Dec. 3.
The report was released as part of the Government Defense Anti-Corruption Index, which ranks countries on a scale from A (very low level of corruption risk) to F (critical level of corruption risk). Ukraine was ranked in band D, indicating a high risk of corruption.
“Ukraine is at a critical juncture. If the MOD can effectively implement its anti-corruption commitments, the military will be stronger and better able to protect the Ukrainian people. Tackling is crucial for stability, economic development, and international donor confidence… And MOD reforms on their own aren’t enough- to make anti-corruption efforts sustainable, strong external oversight is vital,” Katherine Dixon, Director of Transparency International Defense and Security, said.
The report identifies procurement as the highest-risk area.
“Amendments to public procurement legislation have made defense procurement exempt from normal procedures for an unspecified “special period” in response to the ongoing instability, but TI warns that this increases the risk of corruption. TI recommends regular review of any exemptions to ensure that they aren’t used to avoid scrutiny, and to make sure that exemptions do not undermine positive initiatives like e-procurement,” the network said.
Transparency International also called for an increase in independent monitoring of the MOD, to ensure that commitments are enforced and to scrutinize off-budget expenditure.
The group praised recent efforts to increase training on anti-corruption for defense personnel and strengthen internal auditing, but warned that a failure to deliver on anti-corruption commitments would threaten national security and public trust in the government.
