Anti-Corruption Drive and Mobilization Reform
Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has announced a sweeping anti-corruption campaign within the Ministry of Defense alongside a major overhaul of the mobilization system. Key planned measures include polygraph screenings, shifting all procurement to competitive tenders, and saving more than $100 million on initial contracts. Fedorov stated that by the end of summer, all critical procurement categories will be put up for tender, including a large-scale contract for 150,000 Middle Strike drones and copter systems.
For years, entrenched corruption networks within the Ministry hindered procurement transparency. In the first tender for 155 mm long-range artillery, savings of 16% were achieved after one company reduced its price by $1,000 per shell. This success was made possible by honest bidding processes, which can cut costs by up to 20% of the budget. Additionally, a rigged tender for all-terrain vehicles was uncovered, where hidden specifications added $7,000 to the price of each unit.
Fedorov emphasized that 'anyone trying to build schemes or protect private interests—I will personally do everything to ensure they end up behind bars and never get out.'
The planned changes also extend to mobilization. The ministry is introducing new contract terms:
- 10 months for active infantry soldiers;
- 14 months for reservists.
With an average infantry soldier’s monthly salary around 300,000 hryvnias, and assault troops earning between 350,000 and 460,000 hryvnias, these new conditions are expected to boost interest in military service.
Starting at the end of the year, a partial demobilization will begin, prioritizing those who have served since 2014. As part of the reform, a new tracking system will monitor conscripts from the moment they receive a summons until they reach their brigade. Mykhailo Fedorov noted that 'in practice, what’s happening is almost human trafficking. Everyone understands that.' At the same time, the Ministry is opening the market to companies that will recruit foreigners, with the state paying 300,000 hryvnias per recruit. The goal is to have foreigners make up 20% to 50% of assault units.
Fedorov concluded that 'all military personnel will finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.'
The mobilization reform, new contracts, and anti-corruption efforts aim to address the infantry shortfall and reduce reliance on contract service. These Ministry initiatives focus on building a more transparent and efficient system, which Fedorov believes will positively impact the overall state of the army.
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry is tackling long-standing corruption and modernizing its mobilization process, potentially transforming the military’s effectiveness and accountability. Proposals for new contracts and a conscript tracking system could help resolve issues tied to corrupt practices and personnel shortages. The success of these reforms hinges on consistent and effective implementation, which would strengthen the country’s defense capabilities.
In addition to the ongoing reforms, the Defense Ministry is also expanding its efforts to enhance military capabilities by launching a global recruitment initiative for foreign volunteers. This move is aimed at bolstering the ranks of the Ukrainian armed forces while addressing the increasing need for skilled personnel. To learn more about this significant recruitment drive, visit the details of the initiative here.