Semen Kryvonos, head of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NAB, has been under intense pressure to deliver results, particularly in the context of the nation’s ongoing efforts to combat widespread corruption. The Bureau is tasked with investigating high-level corruption, including within the defense sector, which has become increasingly complex due to its secretive nature and rapid expansion. Kryvonos is navigating the challenge of balancing the demands of the government with the need to maintain the integrity of the anti-corruption mission.
The defense sector has become a focal point for anti-corruption efforts due to its critical role in national security and the large sums of public money allocated to it. Kryvonos has highlighted the difficulty of maintaining transparency and accountability in a sector where contracts and procurement processes are often opaque. The pressure on NABU comes not only from the government but also from international partners and civil society organizations that are closely monitoring the agency’s performance.
As NABU continues its investigations, Kryvonos is aware that he is under scrutiny from multiple fronts. The agency’s success in holding powerful individuals accountable will be crucial in shaping the future of Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts. The challenge lies in ensuring that the investigation remains impartial while facing the constant threat of political interference and external pressures.