The Ukrainian authorities must move from declarations to actions

We urge the Cabinet of Ministers, the Office of the President, and the Verkhovna Rada to provide meaningful support to the NABU and the SAPO in their investigations and to strengthen the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts!

Over the past weeks, the NABU–SAPO investigation into Operation Midas has sparked genuine public outrage in Ukraine, as it has exposed systemic problems across multiple areas of the country’s functioning. Undoubtedly, this case also highlights serious shortcomings in upholding the rule of law.

As early as today, the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Anti-Corruption Policy may consider the key issues of this case and the obstacles faced by anti-corruption bodies.

In our view, to prevent such pressure and to enhance the effectiveness of the fight against corruption, the Verkhovna Rada, the Cabinet of Ministers, and other institutions should primarily focus on the following: 

1. Ensure the involvement of independent international experts in competitions for top-level positions
2. Improve legislation to enhance the quality of pre-trial investigations and the adjudication of top-level corruption cases, so that both the Mindich case and other major corruption cases proceed properly and swiftly through all stages — from suspicion to a fair verdict.
3. Ensure the prompt conduct of a transparent, competitive selection process for the appointment of a Deputy Head of SAPO.

The recent developments demonstrate that genuine anti-corruption efforts are not about political slogans or ticking boxes to secure financial assistance from international partners. Ukraine already has a clear action plan, but over the past year its implementation has been significantly delayed — and at times openly sabotaged.

Therefore, Transparency International Ukraine calls on the parliament and the government to fulfil all international commitments in the rule-of-law sphere, including those aimed at strengthening anti-corruption mechanisms, so that schemes in defense, energy, and other sectors are effectively stopped and those responsible are brought to justice.