Berlin Think Tank Report Criticizes Ukraine's Anti-Corruption Progress Amid War

A Berlin-based think tank, the Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP), published an eight-page study titled 'Rechtsstaatlichkeit in der Ukraine – mehr als Korruptionsbekämpfung' (SWP Aktuell Nr. 15) that presents a critical assessment of Ukraine's anti-corruption efforts. The report contends that Ukraine's political leadership, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has not consistently adhered to rule-of-law procedures, particularly following personnel decisions after a mid-2025 corruption scandal in the Energy Ministry. This analysis contrasts with the European Commission's positive statements about Ukraine's 'incredible progress.' The findings have caused concern within the German government, where the document is circulating.