One of the most critical issues currently is the coordination of international support, the alignment of anti-corruption reform priorities, and the achievement of tangible results in preventing corruption within the security and defense sector. These formed the key topics of a meeting between Viktor Pavlushchyk, Head of the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP), and Tom Noakes, UK Special Defence Advisor.
In this context, the adoption of the Anti-Corruption Strategy by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine—which contains a dedicated section on issues in the security and defense sector—is also of paramount importance. The relevant provisions were formulated based on a comprehensive study of the sector.
“We must focus not only on investigating individual cases of corruption and bringing the perpetrators to justice, but also on eliminating the root causes that create conditions for corruption. It is corruption prevention that allows us to change the system, rather than merely reacting to its shortcomings,” the Head of the NACP noted.
The parties also discussed the importance of balanced communication to the international community regarding anti-corruption reforms in Ukraine. In particular, they highlighted the need for broader reliance on factual data and the operational results of state institutions to form an objective perception of the status of corruption prevention in Ukraine.
“One of our key priorities is to enhance coordination between European and Euro-Atlantic integration in order to unite the efforts of international partners toward a common goal and achieve greater practical impact,” stated Marta Ivashkiv, Head of the NACP Integrity Policy Development Department in the Security and Defense Sector.
An important focus of the meeting was the discussion of international support for reforms in the security and defense sector. The NACP participates in the implementation of two key projects under the NATO Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP) for Ukraine: the NATO Initial Interoperability Requirements for Ukraine and the Strategic Review of Ukraine’s Defence Procurement System.
During the meeting, the parties also discussed possibilities for coordinating support to the NACP from the United Kingdom, NATO, and other international partners. Specifically, they addressed the alignment of tasks within the framework of European and Euro-Atlantic integration, the identification of technical assistance priorities, and the involvement of partners in shaping anti-corruption policy.
Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their interest in further cooperation, particularly in communicating anti-corruption achievements, engaging with the defense industry, coordinating international aid, and implementing corruption prevention measures.
The NACP continues to cooperate with international partners to build systemic corruption prevention mechanisms, strengthen integrity in the security and defense sector, and effectively fulfill Ukraine’s commitments under European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
As a reminder, the NACP recently held a meeting with representatives of the Sweden-led EU independent expert group, during which they discussed priorities for anti-corruption reforms in the security and defense sector, the implementation of Ukraine’s international obligations, and the alignment of support from international partners. Read more about that meeting here.
