Summary

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine since 2019, has prioritized transparency and anti-corruption reforms as key pillars of his administration’s efforts to strengthen governance and secure international support amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. His government has implemented a series of institutional reforms aimed at combating entrenched corruption, including the establishment and empowerment of independent agencies such as the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), with strong backing from Western partners. These reforms are widely viewed as essential not only for improving domestic stability but also for meeting the conditions tied to substantial military and financial aid, particularly from the United States and the European Union, as well as for advancing Ukraine’s European Union accession ambitions.
In December 2023, amid growing domestic criticism and international scrutiny over corruption scandals involving high-ranking officials, Zelenskyy publicly declared Kyiv’s readiness to enhance transparency, especially in the use of foreign aid. During a private meeting with U.S. senators, he pledged clearer accountability measures to restore trust and demonstrate effective governance, reflecting ongoing advocacy by the United States for reforms that ensure aid effectiveness and prevent misuse of funds. Transparency initiatives have also targeted strategic sectors such as energy, where reforms seek to improve corporate governance of state-owned enterprises to reassure European partners and foster economic resilience.
Despite these efforts, Zelenskyy’s administration has faced significant controversies, including legislative moves perceived to weaken the independence of key anti-corruption institutions. In 2023, a contentious bill signed by Zelenskyy curtailed the autonomy of NABU and SAPO, triggering domestic protests and criticism from civil society, opposition figures, and international observers who warned that such actions undermine Ukraine’s reform trajectory and international credibility. These tensions underscore the complex political landscape Zelenskyy navigates, balancing internal pressures for accountability with the need to maintain broad support at home and abroad.
At the same time, Zelenskyy’s leadership is closely tied to broader geopolitical dynamics, including ongoing peace negotiations and sustained U.S. military and diplomatic support. His administration continues to engage with American officials on both reform commitments and conflict resolution efforts, underscoring transparency and rule-of-law reforms as integral to Ukraine’s long-term stability and its strategic partnership with Western allies. The interplay of these factors positions Kyiv’s transparency pledges as a critical component in Ukraine’s struggle for sovereignty, international trust, and durable peace.

Background

Since his landslide election victory in 2019, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has positioned himself as a reformist leader intent on moving Ukraine away from entrenched corruption and towards greater transparency and accountability. This mandate was particularly urgent given Ukraine’s persistent internal challenges with corruption, which span various sectors including the defense ministry and national prosecutors, threatening both domestic stability and international confidence in Kyiv’s governance. In response, Zelenskyy’s administration implemented a series of anti-corruption reforms, including the formation of independent agencies such as the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), established after the 2014 Revolution of Dignity with strong Western support.
Despite initial progress, Zelenskyy’s wartime leadership has faced mounting criticism domestically. A series of scandals, including a $100 million kickback scheme involving top officials, has eroded public trust and reignited calls for greater transparency, culminating in street protests during mid-2023. Critics have pointed to moves by Zelenskyy to consolidate power by neutralizing independent anti-corruption agencies and aligning law enforcement agencies loyal to the presidency against these institutions, which has further strained the country’s anti-corruption efforts. This domestic unrest has placed pressure on Zelenskyy to demonstrate a renewed commitment to reforms, as Ukraine’s international partners—particularly the United States and the European Union—emphasize the importance of transparent governance as a condition for continued support and for Ukraine’s EU accession ambitions.
The ongoing Russian invasion, which began in February 2022, has compounded these challenges. Zelenskyy’s government has had to maintain a delicate balance between prosecuting an effective war effort and addressing systemic governance vulnerabilities. Throughout the conflict, Kyiv has heavily relied on military and financial aid from Western allies, especially the United States, which remains the largest donor of assistance to Ukraine. However, this dependency has also heightened scrutiny over Ukraine’s internal affairs, with U.S. officials and other allies pressing for clear reforms and accountability measures to ensure aid effectiveness and sustain international support.
In this context, Zelenskyy has repeatedly underscored the need for a “worthy peace” that respects Ukrainian sovereignty and dignity, while signaling a willingness to engage constructively with international partners, including the United States, to explore diplomatic solutions and reforms. This backdrop sets the stage for Kyiv’s ongoing efforts to demonstrate transparent progress amid continued external advocacy and internal pressures for reform.

Declaration of Kyiv’s Readiness for Transparent Progress

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly committed to enhancing transparency in Kyiv’s governance, particularly concerning the use of international aid, as the United States Congress considers further funding. During a private meeting with U.S. senators in December 2023, Zelenskyy promised that Ukraine would provide clear accountability on how U.S. assistance is utilized, aiming to address longstanding concerns about corruption and misuse of funds.
This pledge is part of a broader effort by Zelenskyy to restore credibility and reinforce the rule of law amid ongoing challenges with systemic corruption in Ukraine. Observers emphasize the need for a comprehensive strategy that not only responds to individual cases but also reforms underlying institutional vulnerabilities. International partners, including the European Union (EU), the United States, and multilateral donors, have urged Kyiv to implement reforms focused on transparency, particularly within strategic sectors such as energy.
Transparency and anti-corruption reforms have gained renewed urgency following a series of scandals involving government ministries and influential businessmen, which have threatened to undermine the confidence of Ukraine’s allies. Zelenskyy’s 2019 electoral victory had been seen as a mandate to combat entrenched bribery and kickbacks, and his administration has intensified anti-corruption measures since then. In 2023, these efforts included a crackdown on corrupt officials and expanding reforms in 2024 that introduced international experts into the vetting processes of government appointments—moves widely regarded as improving the effectiveness of anti-corruption institutions.
In line with these commitments, Zelenskyy has underscored the importance of transparency in the energy sector, advocating for improved corporate governance of state-owned firms and stronger supervisory boards. Such reforms are intended to reassure European partners that their financial support will be used efficiently and contribute to a resilient, deoligarchized economy.
Despite these efforts, Zelenskyy faces significant political pressures domestically. A recent corruption scandal resulted in the dismissal of two cabinet ministers and heightened demands for broader governmental reforms and accountability. Meanwhile, opposition forces have criticized the administration for perceived power consolidation, complicating the political landscape even as Kyiv seeks to maintain international support.
President Zelenskyy has also linked transparency and reform to the broader goal of securing a durable peace. Following a meeting with senior U.S. military officials, including Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll, Zelenskyy confirmed ongoing discussions on a new peace proposal and emphasized Ukraine’s readiness for constructive dialogue aimed at ending the conflict. However, the details of the peace plan remain confidential, and some provisions reportedly involve difficult concessions that have drawn criticism both within Ukraine and among its allies.

Transparency Reforms and Legislative Actions

Since his election in 2019, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has prioritized transparency and anti-corruption reforms as central components of Ukraine’s governance and its efforts to secure ongoing international support amid the conflict with Russia. His administration has repeatedly pledged to ensure accountability, particularly regarding the use of foreign aid, as demonstrated during a private meeting with U.S. senators where Zelenskyy promised transparency in the management of U.S. assistance to Kyiv.
Corruption has been a persistent challenge in Ukraine, affecting sectors ranging from the defense ministry to national prosecutorial bodies and business elites. Zelenskyy’s landslide election was widely interpreted as a public mandate to break from entrenched practices of bribery and nepotism, steering the country toward more transparent and accountable governance structures. This commitment aligns with broader institutional reforms aimed at creating transparent financial and fiscal systems, strengthening democratic institutions, and promoting judicial independence—reforms deemed critical for Ukraine’s legitimacy, investor confidence, and EU accession prospects.
In 2023, Zelenskyy oversaw a notable crackdown on corruption, including legislative actions targeting the defense sector. Ukrainian lawmakers passed new legislation to enhance transparency in defense procurement following a scandal within the Defense Ministry, signaling a systemic effort to clamp down on corruption. Concurrently, Ukraine expanded reforms mandating international experts’ involvement in vetting certain government appointments, a measure that has been recognized for improving the effectiveness of anti-corruption agencies.
Two key institutions established after the 2014 Revolution of Dignity—the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO)—have been central to these reforms, receiving significant support from the EU as part of the country’s path toward European integration. However, tensions have emerged between these independent agencies and older law enforcement bodies perceived as loyal to the presidency, such as the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the prosecutor general’s office. In July 2023, Zelenskyy signed a controversial bill that effectively revoked the autonomy of NABU and SAPO, a move criticized for undermining their independence and escalating institutional conflict.
Despite this controversy, Western leaders—including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and French President Emmanuel Macron—have emphasized the importance of accountability, urging Zelenskyy to implement reforms not only in the anti-corruption framework but also in state-owned enterprises like Energoatom. They have called for transparent audits, revamped supervisory boards, and governance aligned with EU and OECD standards to restore trust between Ukraine and its international partners.
These ongoing transparency reforms and legislative actions are crucial for Ukraine’s efforts to dismantle corrupt networks, improve governance, and meet the conditions attached to international military, economic, and development assistance. They also play a significant role in Ukraine’s broader ambitions for EU candidate status, which depends heavily on the successful implementation of anti-corruption measures and judicial reforms.

US Advocacy and Support

The United States has played a pivotal role in advocating for and supporting Ukraine amid ongoing conflict and reform challenges. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s engagement with U.S. officials has underscored a shared commitment to advancing diplomatic efforts and strengthening Ukraine’s defensive and governance capacities.
Following intense discussions, Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity of high-level diplomatic engagement, stating that a meeting between Ukrainian and Russian presidents is critical to achieving a lasting peace and real ceasefire, a goal strongly supported by the United States. Zelenskyy also confirmed active collaboration with U.S. military and diplomatic representatives, highlighting ongoing work on a peace plan designed to explore “options for achieving real peace” and new formats for dialogue.
On the military front, U.S. support has been extensive, encompassing the provision of weapons systems, training, intelligence, and other defense equipment crucial for Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression. Since August 2021, the U.S. has leveraged multiple security assistance programs to build Ukraine’s defensive capabilities, including the transfer of sniper rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, counter-artillery radars, electronic warfare detection tools, satellite imagery, and medical support equipment. Additional funding, such as the $100 million in Foreign Military Financing announced in September 2023, aims to help Ukraine and its regional partners sustain and replenish military capacities.
U.S. advocacy extends beyond military aid to support governance and reform, particularly in fighting corruption—a critical condition for Ukraine’s European Union aspirations and continued Western aid. While Zelenskyy pledged transparency and adherence to diplomatic processes, the U.S. and its allies have repeatedly urged Ukraine to demonstrate concrete reforms, especially following controversies surrounding anti-corruption legislation and investigations implicating associates close to the president. The trust between Kyiv and Western partners remains fragile but recoverable through committed reforms and robust institutional accountability.

Impact and Significance

The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has placed Ukraine at the center of global geopolitical attention, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emerging as a pivotal figure advocating for transparency, reform, and international cooperation. Zelenskyy’s administration has made transparent progress a core part of its strategy, seeking to align Ukraine’s political and economic systems with Western standards to secure both immediate support and long-term integration into European institutions.
A significant aspect of Zelenskyy’s approach has been his firm commitment to tackling corruption within Ukraine’s government and military structures. This effort is crucial not only for strengthening domestic governance but also for bolstering Ukraine’s prospects for European Union accession—a process currently conditioned on substantial internal reforms. The president’s focus on anti-corruption laws, transparent financial systems, and judicial accountability aims to send positive signals to international investors and allies, reinforcing the legitimacy of Ukraine’s government during the ongoing war. Despite progress, challenges remain, as noted by former European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, who emphasized Ukraine’s need for “massive internal reform processes” before accession can proceed.
On the international stage, Zelenskyy’s transparency and reform commitments have intersected with efforts by the United States to broker peace and maintain military and economic support. The U.S. has presented a comprehensive 28-point draft peace plan aimed at ending the nearly four-year conflict, though it was drafted without Ukraine’s direct involvement and has been met with caution in Kyiv. Zelenskyy’s willingness to examine such proposals while demanding respect for Ukraine’s position reflects his administration’s strategic balancing of negotiation and defense priorities. Meanwhile, U.S. policy under different administrations has fluctuated between prioritizing military aid and shifting focus toward diplomatic solutions, underscoring the complex international dynamics surrounding the conflict.
Zelenskyy’s leadership during this period has also helped to maintain and strengthen Ukraine’s ties with the European Union. His government has pursued rapid reforms designed to meet EU standards, with the hope of accelerating Ukraine’s accession process. This effort has been symbolized by high-profile visits from EU officials and the president’s public optimism about Ukraine’s integration prospects. By linking transparent governance and reform to broader geopolitical goals, Zelenskyy has positioned Ukraine as a partner committed to democratic values and international cooperation despite the ongoing war.

Criticism and Controversies

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s administration has faced significant criticism and controversy, particularly concerning its handling of Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions. A major point of contention arose when the Ukrainian parliament, under Zelenskyy’s influence, passed legislation that stripped the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) of its powers, escalating tensions between the president and key watchdog agencies. Transparency International condemned the move, asserting that it effectively weakened Ukraine’s anti-corruption framework and diminished civil society’s role in holding the government accountable.
The bureau’s deputy chief, Vitaliy Shabunin, a prominent anti-corruption campaigner, was accused of evading military duty—a charge his supporters dismissed as fabricated and politically motivated. Shabunin openly criticized Zelenskyy in media interviews, highlighting growing distrust between civil society figures and the president. These actions were perceived by many activists and opposition figures as a regression from the democratic reforms Zelenskyy had initially championed, resulting in widespread disappointment among the public. Notably, activist Yulia Tymoshenko expressed her disillusionment, declaring that the president had “lost the trust of society”.
Public protests erupted nationwide, from Zakarpattia to Donbas, reflecting concerns that the legislation set a dangerous precedent by undermining key anti-corruption institutions. The movement, sometimes referred to as the “Cardboard Revolution,” criticized Zelenskyy’s consolidation of power and the perceived distancing of government officials from ordinary citizens, who remain on the front lines of the conflict with Russia. Although Zelenskyy later signed a bill restoring some independence to these institutions, critics noted that the prosecutor general’s office retained the ability to remove prosecutors, potentially curtailing their autonomy and compromising anti-corruption efforts.
International observers have also

Related Events and Developments

Following an hour-long meeting between Driscoll and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the chargé d’affaires at the U.S. embassy in Kyiv, Julie Davis, described the diplomatic activity as progressing at a remarkable pace. Zelenskyy emphasized the ongoing collaboration between Ukrainian and U.S. teams to develop provisions for a peace plan aimed at ending the conflict, signaling readiness for constructive and swift negotiations, though specific details of the proposals have not been disclosed by either side.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, Ukrainian officials remain cautious about media reports suggesting premature agreements or concessions. Rustem Umerov, recently appointed secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, clarified that work on the peace plan continues at a technical level, with Kyiv committed to examining all proposals while expecting respect for the Ukrainian position. He denounced reports of alleged agreements as unverified and taken out of context. Zelenskyy also called for an acceleration of peace talks and proposed further meetings with Russian representatives, though Ukraine maintains its stance that negotiations should proceed only if Russian forces withdraw.
Domestically, Ukraine is simultaneously addressing governance and transparency challenges amid its ongoing conflict. The government has enacted reforms to strengthen democratic institutions, but concerns remain over corruption and political interference, particularly in judicial and prosecutorial systems. The Ukrainian branch of Transparency International criticized recent parliamentary decisions as undermining key reforms and damaging international trust. Officials from anti-corruption agencies such as NABU and SAPO warned that newly adopted legislative changes could significantly limit their independence, calling for clear measures to restore safeguards against government interference.
Efforts to improve transparency extend to Ukraine’s energy sector, where calls have been made to enhance corporate governance and supervisory board oversight of state-owned enterprises. European officials and Ukrainian parliamentarians alike stress the necessity of transparency to reassure international partners about the proper use of financial support and to rebuild the sector stronger than before. Furthermore, following recommendations by the European Commission for Democracy through Law, Kyiv has introduced merit-based procedures for selecting judges to the Constitutional Court, reflecting ongoing commitments to judicial reform.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy has assured U.S. senators of Kyiv’s commitment to transparency regarding the use of American aid as Congress considers further funding. International partners, including the EU and the United States, continue to urge Ukraine to develop a comprehensive strategy addressing both immediate and systemic challenges to maintain credibility and stability in governance during this critical period.