In 2025, the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (NAKO) continued its efforts to counter corruption risks in the security and defence sector, advocate for stronger sanctions against Russia, and promote Ukraine’s interests internationally.
Work in the Defence Sector
Throughout the year, NAKO experts:
- supported the activities of the Public Anti-Corruption Council of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine by providing institutional, legal, analytical, and communications assistance. NAKO representatives Olena Tregub and Tetiana Nikolaienko are members of the Council;
- held numerous meetings with representatives of the Defence Procurement Agency and the State Logistics Operator, as well as with the supervisory boards of these agencies;
- participated in nomination committees of JSC “Ukrainian Defence Industry”, which select and appoint heads of enterprises within the concern;
- prepared analytical materials for the defence sector chapter of the Anti-Corruption Strategy for 2026–2030.
Sanctions Policy
Within the sanctions track, NAKO:
- coordinated the work of the Public Council on Sanctions, including consolidating a “sanctions To-Do List” — the Council’s recommendations on sanctions policy against Russia;
- supported initiatives of the B4Ukraine coalition aimed at blocking economic mechanisms that enable Russia to continue its war against Ukraine;
- contributed to updating the communication strategy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
NAKO Research
In 2025, we examined foreign microelectronics found in Russian fighter jets and glide bombs. We also analysed corruption risks in procurements conducted by the State Logistics Operator, including supplies of clothing, food, and fuel for the Armed Forces. In addition, we worked on new research projects that will be published in 2026.
International Advocacy
In Brussels, NAKO representatives held a series of meetings with Members of the European Parliament. NAKO Executive Director Olena Tregub presented an analytical brief at the European Parliament on the deepening cooperation between Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China.
In The Hague, we organised two exhibitions: one showcasing foreign microelectronics identified in Russian missiles and drones, and another displaying neutralised Russian drones — Shahed-136/Geran-2 and Gerbera.
NAKO carried out two advocacy visits to Taiwan, promoting the development of Ukrainian–Taiwanese cooperation in defence, security, countering disinformation, and civic mobilisation. NAKO also co-organised a two-day seminar, “Ukraine and Taiwan: Hybrid Warfare and the Strategy of Democratic Resilience.”
NAKO representatives took part in the 55th World Economic Forum in Davos and the 12th Warsaw Security Forum. Olena Tregub was a speaker at the Halifax International Security Forum in Canada.
Defence Talks
In 2025, NAKO organised six Defence Talks events. Together with representatives of the Ministry of Defence, civil society, foreign embassies, and the media, we discussed:
- digitalisation of the defence sector during wartime;
- countering Russian guided aerial bombs (KABs);
- balancing transparency and accountability in defence procurement;
- the first six months of work of the Public Anti-Corruption Council of the Ministry of Defence;
- changes in defence procurement policy;
- the state of army procurements ahead of the winter season.
Over the year, NAKO and its research were mentioned by 171 media outlets in Ukraine and abroad. Our experts gave interviews to The Washington Post, BBC, and ABC News, authored an op-ed for Le Monde, and co-authored an article for Foreign Policy.
We thank all partners, government representatives, and civil society actors who made this work possible. We are grateful for your engagement and support and look forward to continuing existing joint projects and launching new ones in the coming year.