It’s not unusual for Gulf-based investors to raise concerns about corruption when exploring opportunities in Ukraine. But let’s be honest—corruption isn’t unique to Ukraine. During Saudi Arabia’s own reform efforts, we all witnessed high-profile anti-corruption crackdowns targeting dozens of senior officials. Like many other nations, Ukraine is not immune to these challenges. But there are clear and proven ways to navigate the system professionally and transparently.

Over the past 21 years, I worked in government relations consulting and represented numerous global companies operating in Ukraine. These companies were not only protecting their investments but also working closely with public sector counterparts to ensure their business interests aligned with national priorities. In this space, it’s critical to understand that government officials often face conflicting pressures—some personal, some institutional.

That’s why the key is not to avoid interaction with officials, but to structure it in a way that reinforces state interest over personal gain. I’ve always advised investors to show officials how a project contributes to Ukraine’s national goals—whether through job creation, tax revenue, infrastructure development, or global partnerships. When framed this way, cooperation becomes a matter of public interest, not private favors.

I’ve personally been involved in many such interactions. And in over two decades of work with ministries, regulators, and local governments, I’ve never been asked for a bribe or experienced a direct corruption attempt. There’s a right way to work with state officials—even in high-risk environments. And with the right guidance, transparency and integrity can absolutely coexist with opportunity.