Ukraine Uncovers Major Drone Procurement Corruption Scheme
KYIV, August 2, 2025 – Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), announced on Saturday the discovery of a significant corruption scheme involving the procurement of military drones and signal jamming systems at inflated prices. The revelation comes just two days after the Ukrainian parliament reinstated the agencies’ independence following widespread protests, marking a critical step in the nation’s ongoing fight against corruption.
According to a joint statement released by NABU and SAPO on social media, the scheme involved a sitting lawmaker, two local officials, and an unspecified number of National Guard personnel who allegedly accepted bribes to facilitate state contracts with supplier companies at deliberately inflated prices. The statement detailed that the offenders received kickbacks of up to 30% of the contract values, undermining the integrity of Ukraine’s military procurement process. Four individuals have been detained in connection with the scheme, and the National Guard personnel involved have been suspended from their positions, as confirmed by Ukraine’s Interior Minister, Ihor Klymenko.
The exposure of this scheme follows a turbulent week in Ukrainian politics. On July 31, parliament voted to restore the independence of NABU and SAPO after an earlier attempt by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to place the agencies under the control of his prosecutor-general sparked nationwide protests—the largest since Russia’s invasion in 2022. The move to curb the agencies’ autonomy had drawn sharp criticism from Ukraine’s European allies, who warned that it could jeopardize the country’s bid for European Union membership. In response to public outcry and international pressure, Zelenskiy reversed course, submitting a bill to restore the agencies’ independence, which was swiftly passed.
President Zelenskiy addressed the scandal on Telegram, emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance on corruption. “There can only be clear teamwork to expose corruption and, as a result, a just sentence,” he wrote. On Saturday, Zelenskiy met with NABU head Semen Krivonos and SAP chief Alexander Klimenko, who briefed him on the investigation. He praised the agencies’ efforts, stating, “It is important that anti-corruption institutions operate independently, and the law adopted on Thursday guarantees them every opportunity for a real fight against corruption.”
The scandal underscores the persistent challenge of corruption in Ukraine, particularly in military procurement, as the country continues to defend itself against Russia’s ongoing aggression. Drones and electronic warfare equipment are critical to Ukraine’s defense strategy, with domestic production and international aid playing a significant role. The discovery of inflated contracts raises concerns about the efficient use of resources at a time when Ukraine relies heavily on both its own defense industry and support from allies, including over $118 billion in direct military aid from Western governments since 2022.
Anti-corruption efforts have been a cornerstone of Ukraine’s reforms as it seeks closer integration with the European Union and NATO. The reinstatement of NABU and SAPO’s independence has been hailed by European officials as a positive step, though they continue to stress the need for transparency and accountability in governance. The ongoing investigation into the drone procurement scheme is expected to identify additional suspects, with authorities committed to recovering misappropriated funds and ensuring justice.
As Ukraine navigates the dual challenges of war and internal reform, the swift action against this corruption scheme signals a renewed commitment to rooting out graft, even in the face of wartime pressures. The nation’s ability to maintain public trust and international support will depend on the continued independence and effectiveness of its anti-corruption institutions.