Olena Tregub

Olena Tregub (Ukrainian: Олена Трегуб; born 15 September 1982) is a leader in the field of defence anti-corruption. She is recognized for her contributions to the field of anti-corruption and governance, both in Ukraine and internationally. Currently, she holds the position of Executive Director at the Ukrainian Independent Anti-Corruption Committee (NAKO). Tregub's work revolves around advancing transparency and integrity in Ukraine, with a particular emphasis on anti-corruption efforts, notably within the defence sector.

Early career and education
Olena Tregub studied at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, graduating with a Bachelors in Political Science. At postgraduate level she studied at the Central European University in Budapest, and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, specialising in international relations and public policy. She began her career in journalism and international relations, focusing on policy analysis and advocacy.

In the U.S., Olena held multiple roles including adjunct professor of political science at Adelphi University, media liaison at the U.N. in New York, and U.S.-based correspondent for the Ukrainian News Agency.

Tregub co-founded an educational consulting group offering professional internship and study abroad programs for young North Americans in the Central and Eastern European region (Global Education Leadership). She also served as a columnist for the Kyiv Post and a researcher on Ukraine for the New York Times. Her writings on Ukrainian domestic and international politics have been featured in various European and American media outlets.

Ukrainian Government Service
After residing in Washington D.C. for ten years, in 2015 Tregub returned to Ukraine and joined the government to contribute to the post-Maidan democratic transformation of Ukraine. She was appointed Director of International Aid Coordination for the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, where she oversaw a portfolio in excess of $10 billion of international development projects. Tregub came to prominence when she sought to introduce extensive anti-corruption reforms, which controversially led to her dismissal in 2017 and later reinstatement, following the ruling of the Kyiv District Administrative Court in October 2018.

Contributions to anti-corruption efforts
In 2016, Tregub collaborated with Transparency International to establish the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (previously - The Independent Defence Anti-Corruption Committee) (NAKO). Initially, NAKO consisted of three Ukrainian and three international experts, concentrating its efforts on addressing corruption within Ukraine's defence sector.

At NAKO, Tregub has led efforts to implement OECD corporate governance and anti-corruption standards in Ukraine's defence industry, particularly within Ukroboronprom, Ukraine’s state-owned defence conglomerate. Under her leadership, NAKO has been active in monitoring the recruitment processes for new directors of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and publicizing cases of corruption within the industry.

Her tenure at NAKO is noted for contributions to drafting legislative reforms, such as the bill on the corporatization of Ukroboronprom companies, the development of a Code of Ethics, and the terms of reference for the first international financial and forensic audits of Ukroboronprom.

International advocacy and diplomacy
Tregub's role involves extensive travel to the United States, Europe and Asia to advocate for continued support for Ukraine, especially during times of conflict. Her efforts aim to secure international backing and resources necessary for Ukraine to uphold its sovereignty, and to combat corruption effectively.

On the 28th January 2022, in advance of the full scale invasion of Ukraine, Tregub appeared on an Atlantic Council C-Span broadcast urging NATO’s Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, to support Ukraine in the face of imminent invasion of its territory.

Following the full scale invasion, together with other civil society leaders, Tregub met with US politicians including Nancy Pelosi, Tom Cotton, Bernie Sanders, Adam Kinzinger, August Pfluger, Kirsten Gillibrand, Marsha Blackburn, and Tina Smith. Tregub’s message centred on Ukraine’s resilience and the determination of the Ukrainian people to prevail in the face of Russian aggression, and shoring up US military backing and support.

In 2023 Tregub appeared at the Senate Hearing of the US Helsinki Commission to testify on Russian evasion of sanctions and money laundering.

Media Profile
Tregub regularly appears as a defence industry expert on international news media channels, commenting on the Russo-Ukrainian war, Defence Governance and Anti-corruption, Sanctions Policy, and Russian Disinformation. Tregub has provided guest commentary in both English and Ukrainian to the BBC, Sky News, Voice of America, France24, KBS, TRT, NDTV and Al Jazeera.

Impact and recognition
Tregub’s work has earned her recognition both in Ukraine and internationally. She is a respected voice in discussions about governance and anti-corruption, often participating in global forums and policy discussions. Her insights contribute to shaping international perceptions and policies regarding Ukraine, particularly in relation to defence and security sectors.

Tregub has received several awards for her reforming anti-corruption work. In 2012, the World Economic Forum chose her to represent Ukraine as a Global Shaper at its Davos forum. She is a board member of Hromadske TV since 2020 and a member of the Steering Committee of B4Ukraine Coalition.