**Ukraine Reforms Tracker: Weekly Digest**
This is issue 31 of Ukrainian lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak’s weekly “Ukraine Reforms Tracker”, covering events from June 17-24, 2025. The digest highlights steps taken in the Ukrainian parliament related to business, economics, and international financial programs.
**Benchmarks and Soft Commitments with the IMF**
On June 24, Ukraine made progress in its efforts to meet key benchmarks set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The recruitment commission selected Oleksandr Tsyvinskyi, a detective unit head at the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), as the next director of Ukraine’s Bureau of Economic Security (BES). This appointment is seen as a positive step towards meeting one of the IMF’s requirements. However, it remains to be seen whether this development will have a significant impact on Ukraine’s economy.
**New Head for Ukraine’s Bureau of Economic Security**
Tsyvinskyi has served at NABU since 2015 and currently leads its detective division. He is known for his key role in the “Clean City” operation targeting corruption in Kyiv city’s land and budget sectors. His appointment to lead BES is seen as a strong candidate, but it remains to be seen whether he will be able to meet the expectations of both the Ukrainian government and international partners.
**Major Budget Revision**
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved amendments to the 2025 state budget to allocate an additional Hr 412.4 billion ($9.9 billion) for defense spending. This move is aimed at addressing a widening fiscal gap in the security sector. The total proposed adjustment increases expenditures by Hr 448.8 billion ($10.8 billion), while cutting other programs by Hr 51.3 billion. Net spending would rise by Hr 397.5 billion ($9.5 billion). To balance the revision, the government plans to raise Hr 147.5 billion ($3.5 billion) in additional revenue and borrow another Hr 250 billion ($6 billion) through debt operations.
**Obligations to the EU**
Ukraine has made progress in its efforts to meet obligations under the EU’s Ukraine Facility program. The Ukrainian parliament has passed bill #12374-d on reforming the Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA). This law introduces new requirements for the agency’s leadership, mandates a selection process involving international experts, and strengthens transparency in asset management and transfer controls. Passage of the reform is a key benchmark under the EU’s program and unlocks a 600 million euros ($701 million) disbursement.
**Corruption Probe Targets Ukraine’s Vice Prime Minister**
Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) have served a formal notice of suspicion to Vice Prime Minister Oleksii Chernyshov, accusing him of abuse of office and accepting improper benefits. This move is seen as an important step towards addressing corruption in Ukraine.
**Conclusion**
The Ukrainian parliament has made progress in its efforts to meet key benchmarks set by the IMF and EU. The appointment of a new head for BES is seen as a positive step, but it remains to be seen whether he will be able to meet expectations. The major budget revision aims to address a widening fiscal gap in the security sector. Corruption probes targeting high-ranking officials continue to highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability.
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