Rooted in the Past: Historians Without Myths Document Ukraine's Long Corruption Legacy from Rus' to Today

Reassessing Corruption in Ukrainian History

According to НАЗК: The History Without Myths YouTube channel has released a new episode examining how corruption in Ukraine evolved from the days of Kyivan Rus' through the Soviet period and into the modern independent republic. In doing so, the video highlights a series of practices that shaped public attitudes, including the medieval 'kormlienie' system, under which officials and rulers received no fixed salary and instead relied on the local population for support. This arrangement, the film argues, created fertile ground for corruption centuries ago.

During the Soviet era, the term 'corruption' itself was officially rejected, with authorities preferring labels such as 'bribery' or 'abuse of office.' The chronic shortages and the informal exchange network known as 'blat' encouraged speculation and, in turn, made corrupt behavior widely accepted in everyday life. The video suggests that understanding these historical patterns is critical to recognising the deeper roots of Ukraine's current governance challenges.

An Anti-Corruption Partnership at the Forefront

Producing the film involved cooperation with Ukraine's National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NAZK) and support from the EU Anti-Corruption Initiative (EUACI). The creators note that the opinions expressed in the video do not necessarily reflect the positions of EUACI, the European Union, or the governments of Denmark and the United Kingdom. This initiative marks a significant effort to place Ukraine's corruption problem in historical perspective.

By exploring how past practices continue to influence present-day politics and administration, the documentary makes a case for new anti-corruption strategies rooted in a deep awareness of history. The fact that both Ukrainian state bodies and international donors have backed the project underscores how much is at stake for the country's future. Corruption remains a prominent issue in Ukraine's path toward stronger democratic institutions and European integration, and this video offers valuable context for understanding the fight ahead.