On November 13, Ukraine was shaken by a corruption scandal that could impede its EU accession process and the transfer of frozen Russian assets. President Zelensky signed a decree sanctioning Mindich and Zukerman, with the Presidential Office explaining the move. Meanwhile, Poland and Germany are introducing or discussing mandatory military service in response to potential Russian threats.
The General Staff of Ukraine reported successful strikes by defense forces on Russian targets both inside Russia and in temporarily occupied territories, including Crimea and Zaporizhzhia. The situation in Pokrovsk and Zaporizhzhia remains tense, according to Zelensky. The Ukrainian government also announced thorough checks of state enterprises to ensure transparency in procurement and financial control, a push to strengthen anti-corruption efforts.
The latest corruption investigation concerns inflated prices in defense procurement, with the High Anti-Corruption Court accepting bail for suspects from major state enterprises. Broader financial audits are ongoing against the backdrop of Ukraine's challenging fiscal position.
The European Union delivered a new aid tranche of nearly €6 billion to support Ukraine's budget. Meanwhile, European countries like Denmark announced further military aid packages. Germany and Poland are reviewing conscription rules, increasing military personnel, and imposing mandatory medical exams for young people.
Russia announced its intention to continue its military campaign and stressed the lack of negotiations with Kyiv. In Germany, there are calls to limit the arrival of young Ukrainian men, and the government is enacting new legislation on military service.
Europe remains committed to military and financial support for Ukraine, yet international attention will continue to focus on Kyiv’s anti-corruption efforts as a prerequisite for further integration.
