Defense Minister of Ukraine Declares Corruption in Wartime More Devastating Than Terrorism – Sky Bulletin

In the relentless fight against corruption, Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov made a staunch declaration at the “Ukraine. Year 2024” forum in Kyiv, underscoring his country’s dedication to eradicating this scourge.

Senior Ukrainian leaders convened to deliberate on the nation’s prospects at the “Ukraine. Year 2024” forum on February 25th, which coincides with the second anniversary commemoration of Russia’s intensified conflict with Ukraine.

The“Ukraine. Year 2024” conference hosted discussions central to Ukraine’s ambitions amid conflict, which include fortifying defense and security, endorsing Ukraine’s peace strategy, stimulating economic progress and integration into global markets, acquiring security assurances, evaluating the military-industrial complex, and ensuring the safeguarding of Ukrainian citizens.

Emphasizing the gravity of the issue, Umerov was quoted stating, “Corruption in times of conflict is, to me, more detrimental than terrorism. There is zero tolerance and no compromise for those who exploit our soldiers and the wider community,” as reported by a journalist from the Kyiv Independent.

The Defense Ministry has been vigilant and reported “irregularities summing to tens of millions of hryvnias” discovered in recent audits of the military’s food supply operations.

Umerov elaborated on the ongoing collaborative efforts with the Security Service of Ukraine, Prosecutor General’s Office, State Bureau of Investigation, and NABU (National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine), in uncovering and dismantling corrupt practices within the Defense Forces.

The defense ministry has not been immune to corruption scandals, with several surfacing since the escalation of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

As a pertinent example, on February 13th, the High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine sanctioned the detention of Oleksandr Liyev, the former head of weapons procurement at the Defense Ministry. Liyev was implicated in a SBU-exposed corruption scheme from January 27th, involving the acquisition of nearly 100,000 mortar shells, translating to an expenditure upwards of Hr 1.5 billion (approximately $40 million).

In a move to prevent corruption and improper use of funds in military food procurement, Umerov introduced the state-run Defense Goods Procurement Agency (also referred to as the State Logistics Operator, or DOT) on December 18, 2023. This new agency will cater to the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s procurement needs.

Other distinguished participants at the forum include Strategic Industries Minister Oleksandr Kamyshin, Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces Vadym Sukharevskyi, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Verkhovna Rada Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk, First Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

Why is corruption in wartime considered worse than terrorism by the Ukrainian Defense Minister?

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov sees wartime corruption as particularly heinous because it directly harms the military and the society when unity and resource allocation are critical. Corruption under these circumstances can significantly undermine the defense efforts and endanger lives.

What steps has Ukraine taken to combat corruption in its defense sector?

Ukraine has established new agencies such as the Defense Goods Procurement Agency to improve transparency and efficiency in procurement. Regular inspections, collaborations with various anti-corruption bodies, and arresting individuals involved in corrupt activities are other key steps taken.

Has anyone been arrested for corruption related to the defense ministry in Ukraine?

Yes. For instance, Oleksandr Liyev, the former head of weapons procurement, was arrested due to a corruption scheme involving large-scale military purchases.

Conclusion

The Ukrainian government, with Defense Minister Rustem Umerov at the forefront, is intensively confronting corruption, deeming it exceptionally detrimental during the wartime circumstances the nation currently faces. The unwavering stance that corruption will not be tolerated parallels Ukraine’s broader commitment to its people and defense forces as it navigates through the challenges of conflict.