Corruption in Ukraine

Corruption is a widespread and growing problem in Ukrainian society. In 2016's Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index Ukraine was ranked 131th out of the 176 countries with increased score from 2015 results. Back in 2007 Ukraine had taken 118th place (179 countries investigated that year).Ernst & Young (in 2012) put Ukraine among the three most corrupted nations of the world together with Colombia and Brazil. In 2015, The Guardian called Ukraine "the most corrupt nation in Europe."

United States diplomats have described Ukraine under Presidents Kuchma and Yushchenko as a , according to .

Bribes are given to ensure that public services are delivered either in time or at all. Ukrainians stated they give bribes because they think it is customary and expected. Some of the biggest bribes involve more than 1 million US$. According to a 2008 Management Systems International (MSI) sociological survey, the highest corruption levels were found in vehicle inspection (57.5%), the police (54.2%), health care (54%), the courts (49%) and higher education (43.6%). On June 8, 2011 Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych stated that corruption costs the state budget US$2.5 billion in revenues annually and that through corrupt dealings in public procurement 10% to 15% (US$7.4 billion) of the state budget "ends up in the pockets of officials".

According to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the main causes of corruption in Ukraine are a weak justice system and an over-controlling non-transparent government combined with business-political ties and a weak civil society. Corruption is regularly discussed in the Ukrainian media.

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