792. How Ukraine Fights Corruption in Defense Procurement episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 7, 2025 · 37 MIN

792. How Ukraine Fights Corruption in Defense Procurement

from Silicon Curtain · host Jonathan Fink

Olena Tregub is a Ukrainian expert in policy analysis, policy design and reform implementation, with a special focus on corruption prevention in economic and security sectors. Since 2017 Olena has been Secretary General of NAKO (the Independent Defence Anti-Corruption Committee) – an international oversight body created by Transparency International. It’s her mission to strengthen democratic oversight over defence spending, increase accountability and transparency of the sector, which is critical in wartime, and has become a hotly debated topic in the run-up to the 2024 US election. ----------DESCRIPTION:Ukrainian Anti-Corruption Efforts: Challenges and Triumphs Amid WarJoin us as we speak with Olena Tregub, Secretary General of the Independent Defense Anti-Corruption Committee (NAKO), on the critical role of anti-corruption in Ukraine's defense sector. Since 2017, NAKO, an oversight body created by Transparency International, has been working to enhance democratic oversight, accountability, and transparency in defense spending. In this engaging episode, Elena discusses the ongoing challenges and successes in the fight against corruption, especially during wartime, and the significant influence of civic protests on government actions. She reflects on the complexities of maintaining integrity in defense operations and the substantial impact of public and international support in pushing for reforms. This in-depth conversation delves into the importance of maintaining anti-corruption measures to ensure Ukraine's resilience and ultimate victory against Russian aggression.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to Olena and Her Mission00:54 Welcoming Olena to the Channel01:24 The Heart of the Anti-Corruption Storm02:51 Zelensky's Response to Protests04:27 The Big Question: Conspiracy or Cockup?05:33 Zelensky's Anti-Corruption Journey08:22 The Role of Protests in Ukrainian Democracy12:26 Comparing Government Reactions to Protests20:24 The Importance of Anti-Corruption in Wartime23:29 The Role of International Partners28:19 The Future of Ukrainian Reforms37:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts----------LINKS:https://twitter.com/OTregubhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/olenatregub/https://cepa.org/author/olena-tregub/https://archive.kyivpost.com/author/olena-tregubhttps://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/olena-tregub/https://nako.org.ua/en/about----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUCK FUNDRAISER - GET A SILICON CURTAIN NAFO PATCH:Together with our friends at LIFT99 Kyiv Hub (the NAFO 69th Sniffing Brigade), we are teaming up to provide 2nd Battalion of 5th SAB with a pickup truck that they need for their missions. With your donation, you're not just sending a truck — you’re standing with Ukraine.https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-communityWhy NAFO Trucks Matter: Ukrainian soldiers know the immense value of our NAFO trucks and buses. These vehicles are carefully selected, produced between 2010 and 2017, ensuring reliability for harsh frontline terrain. Each truck is capable of driving at least 20,000 km (12,500 miles) without major technical issues, making them a lifeline for soldiers in combat zones.https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-community----------

Olena Tregub is a Ukrainian expert in policy analysis, policy design and reform implementation, with a special focus on corruption prevention in economic and security sectors. Since 2017 Olena has been Secretary General of NAKO (the Independent Defence Anti-Corruption Committee) – an international oversight body created by Transparency International. It’s her mission to strengthen democratic oversight over defence spending, increase accountability and transparency of the sector, which is critical in wartime, and has become a hotly debated topic in the run-up to the 2024 US election. ----------DESCRIPTION:Ukrainian Anti-Corruption Efforts: Challenges and Triumphs Amid WarJoin us as we speak with Olena Tregub, Secretary General of the Independent Defense Anti-Corruption Committee (NAKO), on the critical role of anti-corruption in Ukraine's defense sector. Since 2017, NAKO, an oversight body created by Transparency International, has been working to enhance democratic oversight, accountability, and transparency in defense spending. In this engaging episode, Elena discusses the ongoing challenges and successes in the fight against corruption, especially during wartime, and the significant influence of civic protests on government actions. She reflects on the complexities of maintaining integrity in defense operations and the substantial impact of public and international support in pushing for reforms. This in-depth conversation delves into the importance of maintaining anti-corruption measures to ensure Ukraine's resilience and ultimate victory against Russian aggression.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to Olena and Her Mission00:54 Welcoming Olena to the Channel01:24 The Heart of the Anti-Corruption Storm02:51 Zelensky's Response to Protests04:27 The Big Question: Conspiracy or Cockup?05:33 Zelensky's Anti-Corruption Journey08:22 The Role of Protests in Ukrainian Democracy12:26 Comparing Government Reactions to Protests20:24 The Importance of Anti-Corruption in Wartime23:29 The Role of International Partners28:19 The Future of Ukrainian Reforms37:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts----------LINKS:https://twitter.com/OTregubhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/olenatregub/https://cepa.org/author/olena-tregub/https://archive.kyivpost.com/author/olena-tregubhttps://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/olena-tregub/https://nako.org.ua/en/about----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUCK FUNDRAISER - GET A SILICON CURTAIN NAFO PATCH:Together with our friends at LIFT99 Kyiv Hub (the NAFO 69th Sniffing Brigade), we are teaming up to provide 2nd Battalion of 5th SAB with a pickup truck that they need for their missions. With your donation, you're not just sending a truck — you’re standing with Ukraine.https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-communityWhy NAFO Trucks Matter: Ukrainian soldiers know the immense value of our NAFO trucks and buses. These vehicles are carefully selected, produced between 2010 and 2017, ensuring reliability for harsh frontline terrain. Each truck is capable of driving at least 20,000 km (12,500 miles) without major technical issues, making them a lifeline for soldiers in combat zones.https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-community----------

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792. How Ukraine Fights Corruption in Defense Procurement

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This episode was published on August 7, 2025.

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Olena Tregub is a Ukrainian expert in policy analysis, policy design and reform implementation, with a special focus on corruption prevention in economic and security sectors. Since 2017 Olena has been Secretary General of NAKO (the Independent...

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