The war-torn nation has announced a clean-out of its weapons procurement process amid ongoing corruption. Ukraine’s National Police and Security Service, alongside the Ministry of Defense, announced on Saturday that they have uncovered an insider network responsible for embezzling almost $40 million in funds intended for weapons purchases. The suspects include current and former employees of the Ministry of Defense, as well as a businessman representing a foreign company believed to be the arms supplier. If convicted, they could face up to 12 years in prison.
The embezzlement involved a contract for the foreign supply of 100,000 mortar shells for Ukraine’s defense effort, with no part of the order fulfilled as of the scheduled delivery date in December 2022. The Defense Ministry had paid in advance for the shipment.
In response to the corruption, Ukraine has initiated a clean-out of its weapons procurement process, introducing a new framework that the ministry says will be implemented according to NATO standards. A memorandum for partnership and cooperation was signed to address key problems facing Ukraine’s armed forces and other defense sectors. Furthermore, Ukraine’s state secretary of the Ministry of Defense expressed the need for professional recommendations to continue the reform process.
Ukraine is grappling with internal corruption while also seeking external assistance, as United States military aid to Ukraine has halted. Analysts have noted that without international arms shipments, Ukraine could be forced into a brutal stalemate with Russia and may need to cede territory to its aggressor.