--- title: "Klimenko: Top-level corruption in Ukraine is growing โ€” the state lacks political will to fight it" description: "๐Ÿšจ Alexander Klimenko (SAPO) stated that top-level corruption in Ukraine is growing, and the state lacks the will to fight it. ๐Ÿ” Key issues: \"Lozovoy's amendments,\" limitations in investigating MPs, and the complexity of international cases like \"Midas.\" In July 2026, the reform of \"Energoatom\" began following a scandal. #Ukraine #Corruption #SAPO" date: 2026-08-10T08:58:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/klimenko-top-level-corruption-in-ukraine-is-growing-state-lacks-political-will tags: [ukraine, corruption, sap, alexander-klimenko, midas-case, energoatom] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Klimenko: Top-level corruption in Ukraine is growing โ€” the state lacks political will to fight it ![Alexey Klimenko, expert on anti-corruption issues in Ukraine](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/10/klimenko-top-korruptsiya-v-ukraine-rastet-otััƒั‚stvie-politicheskoj-voli/klimenko-top-korruptsiya-v-ukraine-rastet-otััƒั‚stvie-politicheskoj-voli-1.webp) ## ๐ŸŽฏ Key Points - Klimenko stated that top-level corruption is growing and the state lacks political will. - Criticism of "Lozovoy's amendments" and the lack of SAPO independence when investigating MPs. - The issue of creating international investigative groups is raised using the "Midas" case as an example. - In July 2026, the reform of "Energoatom" was announced following a corruption scandal. Alexander Klimenko, Head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), presented alarming data on the state of the fight against corruption in Ukraine during a briefing. According to him, the overall level of corruption in the country remains unchanged, but there is a trend of growth in the segment of so-called "top-level corruption." The head of SAPO stated directly that the state demonstrates a lack of sufficient political will to effectively counter these threats. ### Systemic barriers and "Lozovoy's amendments" Klimenko highlighted a number of systemic problems hindering the work of law enforcement agencies. One of the key issues remains the problem with the expert institution, whose work is critical for investigations. Furthermore, according to the prosecutor, the so-called "Lozovoy's amendments" have not yet been repealed. These legislative norms, experts believe, allow high-ranking corrupt officials to evade responsibility by closing cases on purely formal grounds, which undermines trust in the justice system. ### Limitations in investigating MPs Alexander Klimenko singled out the lack of SAPO's authority to independently initiate investigations against Members of Parliament as a separate acute problem. At present, coordinating investigative and covert investigative actions against deputies requires approval from other officials not part of the anti-corruption structure. "Therefore, we must not depend on the will of another official who has absolutely no relation to the Anti-Corruption structure," emphasized the head of SAPO, calling for independence in decision-making. ### International aspect and the "Midas" case Modern corruption schemes are increasingly going beyond the borders of Ukraine, affecting several jurisdictions at once. Klimenko drew attention to the need to create joint investigative groups with other states for the prompt collection of evidence and information exchange. As a vivid example, he cited the "Midas" case, where money laundering was carried out through a complex network of international transactions. Without international cooperation, investigating such cases becomes extremely difficult. ### Reform of "Energoatom" and the context of scandals In July 2026, against the backdrop of these statements, information became known about the reform of the state concern "Energoatom." Prime Minister Serhiy Koretsky announced an update to the company's charter, which is supposed to reboot corporate governance after a massive scandal. The reform became a response to the exposure of a kickback scheme from contractors linked to the "Midas" case, confirming the need for deep changes in state governance. ### Contradictory data On the one hand, the SAPO leadership claims that top-level corruption is growing and there is a lack of political will. On the other hand, in July 2026, steps were taken to reform key state-owned enterprises ("Energoatom") in response to revelations. This creates a contradictory picture: on the one hand โ€” systemic stagnation and rising crime, on the other โ€” attempts at targeted reforms. It is not yet clear whether these reforms are a result of public pressure or part of a long-term strategy, or if they are cosmetic in nature, not addressing the deep-rooted problems Klimenko speaks about. ## โ“ FAQ ### Q: What are "Lozovoy's amendments"? **A:** These are legislative norms that, according to experts and SAPO, allow corrupt officials to evade responsibility by closing cases on formal grounds. ### Q: Why does Klimenko criticize work with MPs? **A:** SAPO does not have the authority to independently initiate investigations against Members of Parliament, requiring coordination with other bodies, which reduces efficiency. ### Q: What is known about the "Midas" case? **A:** This is a case of large-scale money laundering involving several jurisdictions, which requires the creation of international investigative groups.