Budanov: Kravchenko situation harms Ukraine's image

Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov stated on Monday, 14 September, that the controversy surrounding the dismissal of Deputy Defence Minister Dmytro Kravchenko and the NABU anti-corruption investigation is causing reputational damage to Ukraine internationally.

Budanov's assessment

Budanov said that any situation involving corruption allegations touching the defence ministry is harmful to Ukraine's image among its Western partners, particularly at a time when the country depends on sustained military and financial support. He stressed that transparency and accountability are essential for maintaining international trust.

Background

Kravchenko was dismissed by President Zelensky earlier in the month after the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) announced a suspicion notice against him. Kravchenko subsequently published the NABU suspicion documents publicly. The case has drawn significant political attention and has prompted internal debate about governance and anti-corruption standards within the Defence Ministry.