FACT SHEET: Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Actions during Wartime

The following is a statement delivered by the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) in the wake of the Ukrainian government’s wartime anti-corruption actions.

1. Summary

Despite facing a full-scale russian invasion, Ukraine has undertaken a major anti-corruption investigation—including within its energy sector—demonstrating a rare and significant commitment to transparency during wartime. These actions reflect a functioning and accountable government committed to the rule of law even under the most extreme conditions, at a moment when many democracies in the West are struggling with corrosive abuses of power and deeply rooted corruption.

2. Why This Matters

Strengthens Democratic Governance

• Ukraine is choosing to expose and investigate corruption—not conceal it—while under active attack.

• Actions were taken swiftly: investigations launched, charges filed, and senior officials removed to preserve integrity.

Underscores how fundamentally different Ukraine is from russia.

• Corruption is protected and central to how russia wields power.

• Ukraine’s transparency proves it is building a democratic future distinct from russian authoritarianism.

Reassures U.S. and International Partners

• Demonstrates responsible management and oversight of foreign assistance.

• Confirms Ukraine’s commitment to Western standards of governance.

3. Strategic Context - Ukraine is fighting on three interconnected fronts:

Battlefield

• Defending civilians and infrastructure from continuous missile and drone attacks.

Information & Hybrid War

• russia actively spreads disinformation designed to undermine trust in Ukraine and erode Western support.

Institutional Reform

• Ukraine is dismantling corruption structures inherited from centuries of russian imperial rule.

• Anti-corruption efforts continue despite massive wartime pressures.

4. What Ukraine Has Already Done

• Launched high-level investigations into energy-sector corruption.

• Filed formal charges.

• Removed implicated or related senior officials from their posts.

• Proceedings conducted publicly and transparently, even during wartime.

These actions reflect Ukraine’s institutional resilience and positive democratic development.

5. Why Continued U.S. Support Is Essential

Security Implications

• Without sustained U.S. aid, Ukraine cannot protect critical infrastructure or maintain government functionality.

• Corruption investigations require stable institutions, which depend on security and energy support.

Governance & Reform

• Ukraine’s anti-corruption bodies must remain independent and well-resourced.

• U.S. assistance and oversight reinforce long-term reform success.

Countering russian Hybrid Warfare

• russia will exploit such investigations to wage disinformation campaigns.

• U.S. leadership is crucial to counter these narratives that intend to undermine Western support.

6. Recommendations for Policymakers

• Support Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies (NABU, SAPO, HACC) with training, cooperation, and resources.

• Maintain strong oversight mechanisms tied to U.S. assistance—something Ukraine has welcomed.

• Publicly reject russian disinformation intended to weaponize corruption allegations.

• Continue robust security, energy, and economic assistance to ensure Ukraine can both defend itself and pursue democratic reform.

• Recognize Ukraine’s actions as evidence of institutional strength, not weakness.

7. Key Takeaway

Ukraine is doing what few nations have done during war: fighting for its survival while exposing corruption within its own system.
This is the behavior of a government committed to democracy, transparency, and partnership with the United States. Continued U.S. support—both security and governance-oriented—is essential for Ukraine’s victory and long-term stability.