Ukraine will likely make significant progress on its institutional reform and anti-corruption agenda in the next 18 months, though resistance from parochial interests and increased attention to anti-graft activities will create political, economic and security risks for Kyiv, as Western war fatigue may continue to rise for other reasons. On Jan. 9, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov disclosed that an internal audit by ministry authorities uncovered corruption related to military procurement exceeding 10 billion hryvnia ($262 million), just since Umerov took office in September 2023. Umerov said the audit helped recover embezzled funds and foil future corrupt procurement practices, and that authorities would ''respond harshly to all cases'' of corruption revealed during the audit. The revelations were the latest reminder of the direct relationship between Ukraine's reform and anti-corruption agenda and the country's defense. Recognition of the urgency of reforms in Ukraine has been at an all-time high since Sept....
