Good Governance

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has dramatically increased spending on security and defence. Defence expenditures have become one of the largest components of the state budget, reflecting the country’s need to sustain a large-scale war while maintaining the resilience of its institutions.

The rapid expansion of the defence sector has created unprecedented management challenges. Wartime procurement, emergency decision-making, and the scale of financial resources involved increase the risks of corruption, conflicts of interest, and inefficiencies in the allocation of public funds. At the same time, effective governance is critical to ensuring that resources are used efficiently and that the Armed Forces receive the equipment, services, and support they need.

Despite important progress in reforming the defence sector, Ukraine continues to face systemic governance challenges. Strengthening transparency, accountability, and democratic civilian oversight remains essential for maintaining public trust, sustaining international support, and ensuring the effective functioning of the security and defence sector.

NAKO works to promote good governance in Ukraine’s defence institutions by strengthening oversight, supporting institutional reforms, and monitoring corruption risks. Our experts cooperate with the Ministry of Defence, Parliament, and international partners to improve governance standards in the sector.

NAKO’s work includes:

• monitoring governance and corruption risks in the defence sector;
• supporting reforms of defence procurement and defence industry governance;
• strengthening democratic civilian oversight and public accountability;
• contributing policy recommendations to improve transparency and institutional resilience.

Through these efforts, NAKO helps ensure that Ukraine’s defence institutions operate according to the principles of integrity, accountability, and effective democratic governance – even under the extraordinary pressures of wartime.