In January 2023, journalistic investigations revealed overpriced contracts in the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, including food for troops at triple market prices and defective bulletproof vests.
Documented cases: Eggs purchased at €1.70 each (market price €0.30); meat at €6.50/kg (market €3). NABU (National Anti-Corruption Bureau) arrested several officials involved in fraudulent procurement schemes.
Political consequences: Minister Oleksii Reznikov was replaced by Rustem Umerov in September 2023. Forced resignations of several deputy ministers in February 2023.
Reforms: EU conditioned €50+ billion in aid on anti-corruption reforms. Transparency International notes progress since 2014 (Maidan Revolution), but war amplifies risks in defense procurement.
Timeline: January 2023 - scandal emerges; February 2023 - deputy ministers resign; September 2023 - new minister appointed.