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Ukraine Reform Progress Slows Amidst War

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. 06/ukraine-reform-progress-slows-amidst-war.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, February 6th 2026 at 10:54 GMT by Kyiv Independent
      Locales: UKRAINE, RUSSIAN FEDERATION, EUROPEAN UNION

By Anya Petrova, International Affairs Correspondent

Friday, February 6th, 2026

The Ukraine Reforms Tracker, a collaborative project between the Atlantic Council and the "Deep State" (a moniker now largely dropped in favor of 'Strategic Analysis Group' to avoid misinterpretations), recently released its 175th weekly assessment of Ukraine's progress toward fulfilling the reform commitments outlined in its Association Agreement with the European Union. While the initial reports, starting in December 2023, painted a picture of glacial progress, the latest data reveals a complex landscape marked by incremental gains, persistent obstacles, and the ever-present shadow of the ongoing Russian invasion.

This report focuses on the period from January 22nd to January 29th, 2026, building upon the foundation laid by the Tracker's initial 150 issues. The fundamental question remains: is Ukraine reforming at a pace sufficient to meet the stringent requirements for EU membership, particularly given the extraordinary circumstances? As of this week, the Tracker indicates 28 reforms have been fully implemented, 61 are undergoing implementation, and 159 remain unstarted or significantly delayed. While an increase from the 12 fully implemented reforms reported in late 2023, the rate of progress is still considered insufficient to meet the ambitious timelines associated with potential EU accession.

Judicial Reform: A Critical Bottleneck

Judicial reform continues to be the most significant impediment to Ukraine's European aspirations. Despite numerous attempts to overhaul the system, concerns surrounding the independence and integrity of the High Council of Justice (HCJ) persist. The appointment process remains fraught with political interference, and reports of vested interests influencing selections are commonplace. This week's report highlighted a renewed deadlock in the HCJ over the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court, exacerbated by allegations of candidates lacking demonstrable commitment to anti-corruption principles. The EU has repeatedly stressed that a truly independent and impartial judiciary is non-negotiable for membership, and the current situation risks jeopardizing the entire accession process. The Tracker's analysis suggests a need for a complete restructuring of the selection process, potentially involving increased oversight from international partners and a more rigorous vetting of candidates' past conduct and financial dealings.

Economic Transparency and Anti-Corruption Efforts

The parliamentary review of revised financial transparency legislation, initially tabled in 2023, continues, though with limited visible progress. The legislation aims to close loopholes exploited by oligarchs and improve the tracking of illicit financial flows. However, critics argue that the latest draft compromises on key provisions related to beneficial ownership disclosure, potentially weakening its effectiveness. Separately, the establishment of a fully functional and independent anti-corruption prosecutor's office remains elusive. Despite repeated pledges, the office continues to suffer from insufficient funding, limited investigative capacity, and political pressure. The Tracker notes a worrying trend of key personnel leaving the office, citing frustration with the lack of support and the prevalence of obstructionist tactics.

Impact of the War and Reconstruction

The ongoing war has undeniably complicated Ukraine's reform agenda. Priorities have understandably shifted toward national defense and humanitarian assistance, diverting resources and attention from long-term structural reforms. However, the Tracker emphasizes that the reconstruction effort presents a unique opportunity to build back better, embedding EU standards and best practices into the country's infrastructure and institutions. The influx of international aid, while vital, also carries the risk of corruption and mismanagement if not subject to rigorous oversight and transparency mechanisms. The EU is increasingly demanding that aid is linked to concrete progress on reforms, creating both an incentive and a challenge for the Ukrainian government. Furthermore, the war has accelerated the need for digital governance and a streamlined bureaucratic system to facilitate aid distribution and reconstruction efforts.

Looking Ahead

The Ukraine Reforms Tracker's assessment remains cautiously optimistic, acknowledging the significant challenges but also recognizing the determination of many within the Ukrainian government and civil society to push forward with reforms. The report reiterates the urgent need for sustained political will, effective coordination among government agencies, and robust international support. The next six months will be crucial as Ukraine prepares to receive further EU assessments and potentially move closer to formal accession negotiations. The Tracker will continue to provide an independent and comprehensive evaluation of Ukraine's progress, highlighting both successes and setbacks, and offering actionable recommendations to ensure that the country remains firmly on the path toward European integration. Access the full report and detailed sector analysis at [ https://ukrainereformtracker.eu/ ]