Is the progress itself enough to consider the battle won? Are the ongoing scandals casting a shadow over the hard work against corruption? Despite challenges (such as limited resources due to the ongoing war) and recent scandals (such as overpriced eggs for the military), Ukraine maintains multiple institutions committed to transparency and integrity, crucially supported by international partnerships aimed at enhancing its anti-corruption infrastructure.

Listen to this conversation between Michael Volkov and Halyna Senyk in which they focus on Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts amidst the backdrop of its ongoing war with Russia. Halyna Senyk, an expert from the CEELI Institute, details Ukraine’s progress since 2014, highlighting the establishment of key anti-corruption agencies and reforms and how, over 10 years, it moved from 144 to 104 in the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index.

You can listen to how, despite these advancements, Senyk acknowledges persistent challenges, including recent setbacks and scandals that have tested the country’s resolve.

You’ll hear them discuss:

• Historically pervasive and deeply rooted corruption at various levels of government and the reality of society remains a critical challenge. Despite reforms and the establishment of anti-corruption agencies, the implementation and effectiveness of these measures are often undermined by systemic issues.
• The conflict with Russia that started in 2014 led to military, economic, and social destabilization. This conflict has strained Ukraine’s resources and governance capabilities, posing obstacles to effective governance and reform efforts.
• The volatile political landscape in Ukraine is characterized by frequent changes in leadership and political alliances that hamper consistent policy implementation and reform progress.
• The ongoing conflict and systemic corruption and how they contribute to economic challenges, including reduced investor confidence, economic uncertainty, and financial strain on public institutions,.
• Ukraine’s geopolitical position and how relations with neighboring countries and international allies, particularly with regard to Russia and the European Union, influence its ability to implement reforms and receive effective international support.

Resources:

• Halyna Senyk on LinkedIn
• Email: Halyna.Senyk@ceeli.eu
• CEELI Institute (Central and Eastern European Law Initiative)
• Michael Volkov on LinkedIn | Twitter
• The Volkov Law Group