War has ravaged Ukraine, leaving behind a country in dire need of reconstruction. With billions of dollars pledged by Western donors, the task of rebuilding the war-torn nation seems overwhelming. However, hopes are high that the flagship project in Bucha will set a new standard for transparency and accountability. The success of this project not only depends on its physical outcome but also on the ability to combat corruption that has plagued the country for years.
Ukraine has a reputation for high levels of corruption, with Transparency International ranking it 116th out of 180 countries in its corruption perceptions index. This has raised concerns among international donors about where the funds will go and whether they will be used efficiently. The European Union, in particular, sees the fight against corruption as a crucial factor in Ukraine’s bid to join the EU.
To address these concerns, Ukraine’s new State Restoration Agency is spearheading the Bucha apartments project. The agency aims to demonstrate that Ukraine can rebuild with transparency and accountability. One of the key measures introduced is a new competitive bidding procedure for contracts, designed to prevent corruption and ensure that funds are used effectively.
Former investigative journalist Valeriya Ivanova, who is in charge of anti-corruption measures for the Restoration Agency, believes that she can make a difference “from the inside.” However, allegations made by her previous team, Bihus.Info, have raised doubts about the transparency of earlier stages of rebuilding in Bucha and other towns. The revelations led to the dismissal of several officials in the region, highlighting the need for improved oversight and accountability.
Ukraine is now taking further steps to address corruption with the development of an online transparency platform called Dream. This platform, developed by the government and civil society organizations, aims to make it easier to detect possible corruption and provide access to documents related to rebuilding projects. A new law is also expected to make transparency mandatory for all construction projects in the near future.
Despite the challenges, Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts have started yielding positive results. The country has climbed 28 places in Transparency International’s ranking over the past decade and has seen high-profile sackings as part of an anti-corruption campaign by President Volodymyr Zelensky. The defence ministry has also resumed publishing tenders and contracts, a rare move for a country at war.
However, the scale of destruction in Ukraine is immense, and rebuilding will take years. With 17% of the country still occupied and massive infrastructure damage, the survival stage is crucial for Ukraine’s future. The success of the Bucha project and the fight against corruption will be a defining factor in shaping the nation after the war.
By rebuilding with transparency and accountability, Ukraine has the opportunity not only to physically rebuild but also to rebuild trust within its own society and with international donors. The world is watching, and the future of Ukraine rests on the ability to fight corruption and demonstrate that it is a nation that can “build back better.”
