Corruption scandal in Ukraine sparks outrage in US Congress
3 Min Read
An embezzlement scheme has come to light at a crucial moment when Kiev is striving to obtain extra aid for the war, and US Republicans are expressing discontent over the situation.
-
President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky depart a news conference in the Indian Treaty Room in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House Campus, Tuesday, December 12, 2023, in Washington DC. (AP)
Republicans in the US Congress have criticized Ukraine following the revelation of an embezzlement scheme involving top officials by the country's Security Service (SBU). This occurs as Kiev seeks additional funding from its supporters for the war, despite a growing reluctance in the West.
The announcement coincides with resistance from Republicans in the US Congress against President Joe Biden's push to allocate an additional $60 billion in aid to Ukraine.
On Wednesday, the American Conservative (TAC) magazine released an article in which various congressmen were asked to provide comments on the matter.
'Ukraine was the most corrupt country': Republican Matt Rosendale
In a phone interview with TAC, Republican Matt Rosendale of Montana said, "Just a few years ago, the only thing that we knew about Ukraine was that it was the most corrupt country that anyone had ever heard of," adding that the idea of funds being managed more efficiently is "laughable."
'Not one more penny for Ukraine': Republican Lauren Boebert
Republican Lauren Boebert of Colorado stated her lack of support for providing Ukraine "with another penny," emphasizing that the US should prioritize "securing our own borders."
She stressed, "Clearly, the money designated for Ukraine isn’t going where it was supposed to," and advocated for a thorough audit of the funds allocated to Ukraine.
'Latest fraud is only tip of the iceberg': Republican Congressman Eli Crane
Republican Congressman Eli Crane of Arizona informed TAC that the recent case of fraud "is likely just the tip of the iceberg."
In a written statement, Crane questioned the idea of expecting "a full and clean accounting from a country whose leader dissolved rival political parties and aims to suspend national elections."
Ukraine's SBU uncovers $40mln embezzlement
The statements come after Ukraine's SBU revealed on Saturday that it cracked down on a $40 million embezzlement scheme related to weapons purchases by the military, an announcement later confirmed by the defense ministry.
The country's security service said an investigation had "exposed officials of the Ministry of Defense and managers of arms supplier Lviv Arsenal, who stole nearly 1.5 billion hryvnias in the purchase of shells."
"According to the investigation, former and current high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Defence and heads of affiliated companies are involved in the embezzlement" related to the procurement of 100,000 mortar shells.
