[88094] Ukrainian Ministry of Defense announces war on corruption and comprehensive inspections at all recruitment offices

A large-scale move to clear the ranks in the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and recruitment system

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine is launching a combined effort of clearing ranks and reorganization. Deputy Minister of Defense, Mstyslav Banik, announced that the ministry is initiating comprehensive service inspections at all recruitment centers (TCC) across the country, following complaints about human rights violations, with the intention of changing the existing structure of the recruitment system.

At the same time, Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov revealed that "corrupt clans" had been operating in his ministry and the effort to eradicate them requires significant resources. According to reports from Україна Online, Fedorov stated that ministry employees underwent polygraph tests, and those who refused were fired immediately. The minister added a stern warning: "Anyone who takes part in schemes - will be imprisoned and will not get out."

The fight against corruption also extends to the procurement system. According to АрміяINFORM, the ministry has moved to an open tender system, a step that Fedorov claims saved about $100 million just in the procurement of 155mm ammunition. However, reactions on social media are not uniform; while some channels express support, channels presenting a more critical line, such as Душная община, expressed concern that this is a political move to replace existing personnel with cronies of the current administration.

The moves come against the backdrop of harsh criticism regarding the system's efficiency. Various sources, including the 'Monaco' Battalion channel, quoted Minister Fedorov as claiming that less than half of the recruits actually reach the front lines, which indicates deep failures in the command and logistics chain that the ministry is now trying to fix.