Ukraine’s military has purchased hundreds of drones this year with funds collected by anti-corruption agencies from corruption deals, officials said Thursday.

DronePhoto: DreamsTime

Anti-corruption agencies in 2023 directed more than $17 million to the main state crowdfunding platform to support the Ukrainian “Drone Army”, the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) reported.

These funds were used to purchase drones for the army and military intelligence, as well as infantry fighting vehicles for the new assault brigades of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, he noted.

Ukraine is expected to launch a counteroffensive soon to try to retake territories occupied by Russia during the nearly 15-month war.

“The war not only did not stop the fight against corruption at the top, but also added motivation to our work,” said Oleksandr Klymenko, head of SAP.

The agency said anti-corruption agencies have directed a total of more than $46 million, including settlements, to the military since the February 24, 2022, invasion of Russia.

The European Union has launched a fight against corruption as Ukraine seeks to join the EU.

As part of the crackdown, the head of the Supreme Court was arrested this week in a bribery case and removed from office (photo source Dreamstime)

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