Calls for Anti-Corruption in Ukraine’s Post-War Rebuild

Experts and international donors urge Ukraine to prioritize anti-corruption measures across critical reconstruction sectors, including infrastructure, defense, and state-owned enterprises (SOEs), according to a new report by UNDP. 

The report underscores the need for transparency and accountability in managing the massive influx of international aid that Ukraine is set to receive to rebuild in the wake of the ongoing Russian invasion, with the World Bank estimating that almost US$500 billion will be needed over the next decade.

“There is a lack of mechanisms to ensure transparency, integrity, and the proper use of investments and donor money for post-war reconstruction,” reads the report.

It warns that “Ukraine will be highly dependent on financial assistance in this area, making it crucial to create a comprehensive anti-corruption mechanism and implement it effectively.”

The report recommends that the Ukrainian government prioritize anti-corruption funding within the reconstruction budget as well as strengthening state corruption agencies and reforming judicial processes.

Beyond government measures, international donors see civil society organizations and local communities as vital players in monitoring reconstruction efforts. With the potential for centralized oversight to be stretched thin, grassroots involvement is key to identifying and reporting corruption at the local level. 

Recommendations for enhancing community engagement include expanding anti-corruption training for journalists to build their capacity to track reconstruction projects and report misconduct.

While the push aligns with the nation’s broader anti-corruption agenda, a key component of Ukraine’s ambition to gain EU membership, the country has long struggled with corruption. 

The warned report that despite progress in aligning with standards set by international bodies “authorities often do not proactively engage in these efforts” and that some new laws amounted to “reforms on paper,” never being fully implemented.

Furthermore, a 2023 poll showed that 78% of Ukrainians hold President Zelenskiy accountable for government corruption, according to a Reuters report.

According to Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index, Ukraine ranked just 104th out of  180 countries surveyed.