The “perceived corruption at high levels” of the Ukrainian apparatus could “undermine public support and foreign leaders’ confidence in the government in wartime.” This is stated in a “confidential but unclassified” document that lists the measures requested by Washington for reforms aimed at combating corruption, which Kiev cannot postpone if it does not want to risk losing Western support in the war against Russia’s invasion. .
Last month, the State Department published a document on reforms in Ukraine, but the harsh terms adopted in this confidential version, revealed today by Politico, were absent. This proves the difficulty in which the Biden administration finds itself, which on the one hand wants Kiev to take more decisive measures against corruption, but on the other cannot publicize this position too much so as not to further fuel those who want to reduce or stop all support. to Kiev, asking for control of the aid provided so far. Like the Republicans who, not surprisingly, kept funds for Ukraine out of the resolution passed to avoid closure.
The fight against corruption in Ukraine has always been a concern for Washington, but immediately after the Russian invasion in February 2022 the emphasis on the issue was reduced, so as not to demonstrate any weakening in support for Kiev. But now, more than a year and a half after the start of the war, Washington is beginning to exert pressure again. “There are frank conversations happening behind the scenes,” explains a North American source. For example, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with a delegation of Ukrainian anti-corruption institutions in early September. And the Biden administration, reveal the same sources, talks about the possibility of conditioning future economic aid on “reforms to combat corruption and make Ukraine a more attractive place for private investment”.
Source: IL Tempo

John Cameron is a journalist at The Nation View specializing in world news and current events, particularly in international politics and diplomacy. With expertise in international relations, he covers a range of topics including conflicts, politics and economic trends.