**Ukraine’s Reforms Tracker: Week 31**
The Ukrainian parliament has been busy with reforms and international commitments. Here are the key updates from June 17-24, 2025.
**New Head for Ukraine’s Bureau of Economic Security**
Oleksandr Tsyvinskyi, a seasoned detective at the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), has been chosen as the next director of Ukraine’s Bureau of Economic Security (BES). Tsyvinskyi has been leading NABU’s detective division since 2015 and played a key role in the “Clean City” operation targeting corruption in Kyiv city. His selection comes after a vote by the recruitment commission, with no other candidate meeting the legally required support from international members.
**Major Budget Revision**
The Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers has approved significant changes to the 2025 state budget. The proposal allocates an additional Hr 412.4 billion ($9.9 billion) for defense spending, increasing total expenditures by Hr 448.8 billion ($10.8 billion). To balance the revision, the government plans to raise Hr 147.5 billion ($3.5 billion) in revenue and borrow another Hr 250 billion ($6 billion) through debt operations.
**EU Obligations**
Ukraine has passed a long-awaited reform of the Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA), which was necessary for a 600 million euros ($701 million) disbursement under the EU’s Ukraine Facility program. However, implementation will be delayed due to a resolution submitted by Yuliia Tymoshenko and her Batkivshchyna faction.
**Other Key Issues**
Ukraine’s vice prime minister, Oleksii Chernyshov, has been formally accused of corruption by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). The accusations relate to abuse of office and accepting improper benefits in a Kyiv real estate development case.
**Commentary**
The selection of Tsyvinskyi as BES director is a positive step, considering his experience in tackling corruption. However, it remains to be seen how effective he will be in this new role.
The major budget revision highlights the growing fiscal gap in Ukraine’s security sector and underscores the need for responsible spending and revenue management.
Passing the ARMA reform is an essential step towards meeting EU obligations, but delays in implementation may impact future funding commitments.
Finally, the corruption allegations against Vice Prime Minister Chernyshov demonstrate the ongoing struggle to combat corruption in Ukraine. It will be crucial to monitor developments in this case and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
**Deeper Analysis**
The selection of Tsyvinskyi as BES director may signal a shift towards greater transparency and accountability within Ukraine’s economic security apparatus.
The major budget revision highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing Ukraine’s fiscal challenges, including increasing revenue and reducing unnecessary spending.
Passing the ARMA reform is a crucial step towards meeting EU obligations, but it also underscores the importance of implementing reforms effectively and on time to unlock future funding commitments.
Finally, the corruption allegations against Vice Prime Minister Chernyshov demonstrate the ongoing struggle to combat corruption in Ukraine. It will be crucial to monitor developments in this case and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
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