Broader Anti-Corruption Safeguards for Service Members
Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers has endorsed a draft law, prepared by the Ministry of Defence, that would expand anti-corruption rights for Armed Forces personnel. The proposed legislation amends the Disciplinary Statute of the Armed Forces, granting service members the explicit right to report suspected corruption or related offenses to designated anti-corruption units. The initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen accountability in the defense sector, a key priority for Ukraine's reformers and international partners.
Serhiy Stepanyan, Director of the Ministry of Defence's Department for Corruption Prevention and Detection and a Colonel of Justice, said the changes would raise transparency within military structures, reinforce anti-corruption mechanisms, and provide strong safeguards for whistleblowers against possible harassment or pressure. Under the current version of the Disciplinary Statute, personnel can only file complaints when commanders take unlawful decisions against them, when their rights are violated, or when they are illegally brought to responsibility.
Rewards and Reporting Channels for Whistleblowers
The draft law also introduces the possibility of incentivizing military whistleblowers under Section II of the Disciplinary Statute. Service members would be able to choose their preferred reporting channel, including:
- internal channels — through the Unified Whistleblower Reporting Portal and dedicated hotlines;
- regular channels — by contacting NAPC, the National Police, NABU, the State Bureau of Investigation, or the prosecutor's office;
- external channels — by notifying media, civic organizations, or professional unions.
To take effect, the bill must be reviewed by Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada and signed by the President of Ukraine. Defence officials say the measure is expected to significantly reinforce anti-corruption efforts in the military and offer stronger protection for those ready to report wrongdoing.
These proposed legal changes could become an important milestone in making Ukraine's military structures more transparent and accountable. Establishing whistleblower protections and clear reporting procedures could help reduce corruption in the army and create safer conditions for service members who speak out against abuses. It could also bolster the reputation of the Armed Forces with both Ukrainian society and the international community.