Ukraine Experiences a 12 Billion Military Procurement Scandal; Zelensky Publicly Declares Income to Demonstrate Anti-Corruption Resolve
On January 28th, Ukrainian President Zelensky publicly disclosed his personal income for the past two years, demonstrating his commitment to transparency and anti-corruption efforts. This move is aimed at gaining international weapons and financial aid, as well as meeting the strict standards of the European Union. The day before, Ukrainian authorities also announced the exposure of a major military procurement corruption case worth a total of $40 million.
On the 27th, the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) announced the exposure of a major military procurement corruption case. It was pointed out that current and former high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Defense colluded with the management of the Lviv Armory, a weapon supplier. In August 2022, which was six months after the outbreak of the war, they signed a contract to purchase 100,000 mortar shells and paid in advance. The funds were subsequently transferred overseas, embezzling up to $40 million (approximately NT$1.25 billion), but “not a single shell” was delivered. Five people from the Ministry of Defense and the arms dealer were issued with a notice of suspicion, and one suspect was detained while attempting to cross the border.
When Zelensky took office in 2019, he made anti-corruption one of his top priorities. In August of last year, President Zelensky dismissed all officials responsible for conscription, as well as high-ranking officials such as Defense Minister Leznikov and Deputy Minister Mariar, leaving only the first deputy minister Pavyuk. The reason was privileged and unclear financial dealings. According to the 2022 Corruption Perception Index, Ukraine ranks 116th out of 180 countries.
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