While defence corruption is a notable concern in both Russia and Ukraine, the fundamental causes and ramifications of these concerns vary considerably. Corruption in Russia is institutional and vertically integrated; it is embedded throughout the military-industrial complex and the state budget, rendering it not merely a means for individual gain but an essential element of governmental functioning. Corrupt finances are difficult to trace and may be utilised to fund illegal wars or maintain the allegiance of political elites, given that 41% of the military budget remains classified. This entrenched corruption undermines the military's operational effectiveness and adversely impacts Russia's wartime resource allocation. Corruption remains pervasive in sectors directly associated with national security, exemplified by the misappropriation of border defence funds.

Conversely, although widespread, corruption in Ukraine is more transparent, largely due to external pressure from Western assistance and international oversight. Intra-governmental factional disputes, such as the struggle between Umerov and the Director of Procurement, exemplify the broader political corruption in Ukraine (Chin, 2023). The conflicts of power within the government are the root of this corruption, which is not fully institutionalised. The Ukrainian administration confronts a dilemma in addressing corruption: an excessively stringent approach may threaten domestic stability, while an inadequate response could undermine Western confidence in Ukraine.