Anti-Corruption Strategies in Conflict Settings: Ukraine's Martial Law Experience in Pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

This article analyzes Ukraine's anti-corruption reforms under martial law, focusing on the tension between emergency governance and sustainable development. Using legal, institutional, and policy approaches, it examines how conflict both constrains and stimulates reform. Despite weakened oversight and scarce resources, Ukraine has maintained momentum using digital tools, resilient institutions such as National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and National Agency for Prevention of Corruption, and international assistance. Findings show corruption is a systemic pre-war problem, intensified under martial law, especially in defence procurement and humanitarian aid. Three elements underpin progress: institutional resilience, civil society engagement, and coordinated global support. Recommendations include finalizing leadership in NABU and ARMA, monitoring oligarchic assets, and establishing a civil society-led corruption hotline in humanitarian sectors. Ukraine's case demonstrates that advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 is possible during conflict when reforms rest on robust institutions and international partnerships, offering lessons for other states seeking to safeguard integrity and justice under crisis conditions.