Corruption Aggravating in Ukraine, Nationals Say in Survey

(FILE) A national flag waves in front of the Independence monument in the central square of Kiev, Ukraine, 26 February 2022. Photo: EFE.

October 5, 2025 Hour: 6:47 am

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New survey by the Kiev International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) has revealed that a significant number of Ukrainians feel corruption in the country has worsened since the escalation of the conflict with Russia in February 2022.

The poll, which was conducted between September 19-28 with 1,029 participants nationwide, found that 71% of respondents believe corruption has increased over the past three years. Meanwhile, 20% noticed no change, and just 5% felt the situation had improved. Even among those who trust Zelensky’s regime, 62% agreed that corruption had intensified since the escalation of the conflict.

The survey results, released Friday, showed that this perception of growing corruption is consistent across all regions, underlining how deeply the issue remains embedded in the public’s view.

Ukraine has been grappling with several high-profile corruption scandals in recent months, involving officials from various sectors, including the military, medical field, and religious organizations. Some of these scandals have centered around bribery schemes to help individuals avoid military service during the ongoing mobilization.

Concerns over corruption in defense procurement have also intensified. In August, several top officials were arrested in connection with a scheme involving the purchase of electronic warfare systems. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Defense was linked to a massive food supply fraud, worth nearly $18 million. And in January 2024, investigators uncovered a $40 million embezzlement operation involving fake arms contracts.

Ukrainians perfectly aware of what Zelensky's doing to their country

But Kiev International Institute of Sociology tries to dismiss its OWN Sept. poll:

'The objective situation is better than it may seem to us' pic.twitter.com/Y4QXVOocBV
— RT (@RT_com) October 4, 2025

In a notable move in July, Zelensky attempted to bring the country’s anti-corruption agencies, NABU and SAPO, under government control. However, protests on the streets and pressure from Western allies forced him to reverse the decision within two weeks.

The issue has also drawn international scrutiny. President Donald Trump has commented on the misuse of U.S. aid, while Russian officials, including spokesman Dmitry Peskov, noted that much of the Western aid was being “stolen in Ukraine.”