The latest meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken ended in tension
with the Ukrainian leader thanking Washington for military assistance but expressing disappointment over the American focus on the issue of corruption. This was reported by The Washington Post, citing its sources.
According to the publication
Ukrainian officials emphasize that they are fighting corruption on par with fighting Russian troops. However, Western governments, including the US, believe that the progress made is insufficient.
This tension has become a source of strain between Kyiv and some of its allies
threatening additional economic and military aid, the WP reports. The publication highlights cases involving former Deputy Head of the Office of the President Andriy Smirnov, businessman Ihor Kolomoisky, and former head of the Supreme Court Vsevolod Knyazev, who are suspected of corruption crimes.
Ukrainian officials quoted by WP claim that these cases demonstrate coordinated and successful efforts in combating corruption
However, Western capitals do not share this approach. Billions of dollars in both domestic and Western military and economic aid depend on Ukraine’s success in fighting corruption, journalists assert.
US officials, including Antony Blinken, believe that Ukraine has not yet taken the necessary steps to combat corruption
During his visit to Kyiv in May, he noted that «Ukraine has taken important steps, but much more needs to be done.» The Secretary of State underscored the importance of a «strong and predictable regulatory environment, open and fair competition, transparency, rule of law, and effective anti-corruption measures.»
