As of the beginning of 2025, 24 employees of the National Anti-Coruption Bureau, 22 staff members of the National Agency on Corruption Prevention, and 11 prosecutors from the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office are serving in Ukraine’s defense forces. While these people are defending their country on the front lines, the work in combating corruption continues. The anti-corruption institutions are open to welcoming new staff members and the group of veterans gets special attention.
Opportunities for veterans in the field of anti-corruption were discussed by representatives of key anti-corruption institutions (NABU, NACP, SAPO), the Anti-Corruption Court, and civil society organizations during the event “Choosing the Future: Engaging Veterans in Anti-Corruption Activities”. The discussion was organized by the EU Anti-Corruption Initiative (EUACI) at the VeteranHub.
Veterans and service members who are already employed in anti-corruption bodies and civil society organizations shared their experiences, insights into the work specifics, and potential career paths in this field.
The event began with the keynote speech from Maksym Hryshchuk, Ukrainian military, Deputy Commander of the 11th Special Forces Battalion, and First Deputy Head of the SAPO.
“My experience in anti-corruption activities dates back to 2015 when NABU and SAPO were established, and we launched our first criminal investigations. At that time, I joined the anti-corruption field as a veteran after participating in the combat operations of 2014–2015. Your actions have shown that you are ready for incredible steps for this state. Your energy, faith, and dedication are crucial to continue changing the country—not on the battlefield, but from within,” Maksym Hryshchuk said to veterans who visited the event.
In his opening speech, Allan Pagh Kristensen, Head of the EU Anti-Corruption Initiative, emphasized that the war against Russia is not only about hindering the Russians from taking Ukrainian lands, but is also about values and the direction in which Ukraine should develop.
“I believe that you – more than anyone else – can speak with authority about fighting for the values that really matter. Your voices in creating the future of Ukraine will be strong and they will be heard,” Allan Pagh Kristensen said addressing the participants.
