The budget crisis was resolved just hours before the deadline, with Republicans and Democrats reaching an agreement that, however, ignores the issue of additional aid promised to Ukraine by the Biden administration.
As soon as the budget agreement was announced, a sensitive but not secret document began circulating in the media. The content of this document increased the complexity of the Ukrainian file.
Persistence of corruption
In the early days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the solidarity movement between NATO member states and their partners appeared to be unshakable. Supported by clearly positive public opinion, decision-makers then distributed financial aid and military equipment.
As the conflict enters its second year, the resolve of some allies is faltering and there is concern, both publicly and behind closed doors.
The Biden administration’s strategic document circulating in the media raises serious concerns about a problem that is not new but that we thought we could curb: corruption.
Three weeks ago, the New York Times reiterated that corruption poses a threat to Ukraine’s survival.
When we overthrew the previous government, we did not want to further distance ourselves from Russian influence, we hoped to reduce the influence of the oligarchs who too often find themselves in the structures that distribute equipment or humanitarian aid.
After all, according to Transparency International, Ukraine is still the second most corrupt country in Europe. In 2022, 23% of public service users had paid bribes to get what they wanted.
Joe Biden is very familiar with this corruption
The American president does not discover this corruption; he is regularly involved in his son’s problems with the Burisma company. When he was vice president, he gave numerous interventions on what he believed to be a real cancer.
Now that his government has thrown its weight behind President Zelensky, the president must redouble his efforts to encourage the Ukrainian leader to purge his regime. In the midst of war, one can assume that this is no easy task.
Biden is well aware of the importance of this issue in maintaining the contribution of allies, but with the budget negotiations, corruption in Ukraine is becoming a major issue in domestic politics.
It was not for nothing that he spoke publicly yesterday to reassure Zelensky. Rest assured, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries had this in mind when he agreed to a deal with Republican Speaker McCarthy.
Caught in his radical faction, McCarthy has pledged to vote on Ukrainian aid, but the corruption issue will add grist to the mill of elected officials in both parties, who are increasingly likely to want to see a cut or suspension of financial aid to Ukraine.
