You've probably heard the rumors. Maybe you've seen the memes or read the heated Twitter threads. The narrative is usually the same: "Ukraine is just a black hole of graft." But if you actually sit down with a coffee and look at the data—honestly look at it—the reality is a lot messier, and frankly, a lot more interesting than a simple "yes" or "no."
Is Ukraine a corrupt country?
The short answer is: It used to be much worse, and it’s fighting like hell to change. But "change" isn't a straight line. It's more of a jagged, frustrating zig-zag.
The Numbers Nobody Likes to Talk About
Let’s get the baseline out of the way. According to the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), Ukraine scored 35 out of 100. For context, 100 is "squeaky clean" and 0 is "basically a pirate cove." A score of 35 puts them at 105th place out of 180 countries.
Wait. Before you say "Aha! I knew it!", look at the trend.
Back in 2013, right before the Maidan Revolution, Ukraine was languishing at a 25. They were 144th in the world. They’ve climbed nearly 40 places in a decade. That doesn't happen by accident. It's the result of building an entire anti-corruption architecture from scratch—agencies like NABU (National Anti-Corruption Bureau) and SAPO (Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office).
The "Mindich-Gate" and the 2025 Shakedown
Honestly, 2025 was a bit of a rollercoaster. Just when people started feeling good about the progress, "Operation Midas" hit the news.
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This was a massive probe into Timur Mindich, a businessman with ties to the inner circle. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) released over an hour of wiretaps showing guys in the energy sector—specifically at Energoatom—allegedly demanding 10% to 15% kickbacks on contracts meant to protect the power grid.
It was explosive. It led to the resignation of Andriy Yermak, the head of the Presidential Office, in late 2025.
But here’s the thing: ten years ago, a scandal like that would have been buried. Today, the detectives are the ones doing the wiretapping. The fact that the "President's man" had to step down because of an investigation is, ironically, a sign that the system is starting to work. It’s painful. It’s ugly. But it’s happening in the open.
The Soviet Ghost in the Machine
You can’t understand why corruption is so sticky in Ukraine without talking about the 90s.
When the Soviet Union collapsed, it didn't just leave behind concrete buildings; it left behind a "blat" culture—a system of informal favors. If you wanted a phone line, you paid. If you wanted a doctor to actually see you, you brought a "gift."
Why the Old Guard Won't Quit
- The "Court Mafia": Even if NABU catches a thief, they still have to go before a judge. Some of these judges have been in power since the 90s and are famously hard to fire.
- Oligarchic Media: For years, a handful of billionaires owned all the TV stations. They used these channels to smear anyone who tried to pass anti-corruption laws.
- The Shadow Economy: About a third of Ukraine's economy used to be "off the books." That's a lot of cash moving around without paper trails.
The "Wartime" Paradox
There’s a weird thing happening because of the war. On one hand, the existential threat of Russia has made the public zero-tolerance for graft. If someone steals money for bulletproof vests, people don't just see it as "business"; they see it as treason.
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On the other hand, the war requires secrecy. Procurement for the military often happens fast and without the usual public oversight.
Remember the "eggs at 17 hryvnias" scandal? In 2023, the Defense Ministry was caught buying food at massively inflated prices. The backlash was so fierce that the Defense Minister, Oleksii Reznikov, was eventually replaced. This is the new Ukraine: the public is watching, and they have no chill.
The EU Factor: Why They Can't Stop Now
Ukraine wants into the EU. Like, really wants it. And the EU has made it very clear: No reform, no entry.
In November 2025, the European Commission released a progress report. They praised Ukraine for "unprecedented success" in meeting targets despite the war, but they also issued a stern warning. They weren't happy about a July 2025 bill that threatened to undermine the independence of the anti-corruption agencies.
Basically, the EU is the "strict parent" here. They are providing billions in aid, but every cent comes with a checklist of laws that need to be passed.
Real Talk: Is it Safe to Invest?
If you’re a business owner asking if Ukraine is a corrupt country, you’re looking for "Business Integrity" scores. In 2025, the OECD (a group of mostly wealthy, developed nations) gave Ukraine about 70 out of 100 for business integrity.
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It's getting better. The Prozorro system—an electronic public procurement platform—has saved the country billions by making government bidding transparent. You can literally go online and see who is bidding on what. That’s more transparency than you get in some US states, to be honest.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often conflate "scandals in the news" with "more corruption."
It’s actually the opposite.
In a truly corrupt country, you never hear about the scandals. Everything is quiet. The fact that Ukraine has headline after headline about sacked ministers and arrested deputies means the "antibodies" are finally attacking the virus.
The Actionable Bottom Line
So, what should you actually do with this information?
- Watch the HACC: The High Anti-Corruption Court is the final boss. Follow their conviction rates. If they start putting big-name politicians in jail, the tide has officially turned.
- Check the "Lobbying Register": As of September 2025, Ukraine has a new transparency register for lobbyists. If you’re doing business there, use it to see who is talking to whom.
- Support Grassroots Watchdogs: Groups like Transparency International Ukraine and AntAC (Anti-Corruption Action Center) are the real heroes. They are the ones digging through the paperwork that the government tries to hide.
Ukraine is a country in transition. It’s a messy, loud, and sometimes disappointing process, but the trajectory is clear. They aren't just fighting a war on their border; they're fighting a war on their own past. And for the first time in thirty years, the "past" is losing.
Next Steps for You:
If you're following this closely, keep an eye on the 2026-2030 Anti-Corruption Strategy draft due in August. That document will be the blueprint for whether Ukraine stays on the path to the EU or slides back into the old ways.