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Leaked document unveils Biden admin's Ukraine corruption concerns

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Politico
2 Oct 2023 15:54
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The shift in emphasis on corruption has occurred gradually since Russia's special military operation began in February 2022.

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office on Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, right, and US President Joe Biden shake hands during their meeting in Kiev, Ukraine. (AP)

According to a confidential US strategy document obtained by Politico, officials in the Biden administration have greater concerns about corruption in Ukraine than they openly acknowledge.

The document, labeled "sensitive but unclassified," details the long-term US plan, outlining various measures Washington is implementing to assist Kiev in addressing corruption and initiating reforms across different sectors in Ukraine.

It underscores the potential consequences of corruption, including the risk of Western allies withdrawing support for Ukraine's conflict with Russia, emphasizing that Kiev must prioritize its anti-corruption efforts without delay.

The confidential version of the document titled "Integrated Country Strategy" highlights that "perceptions of high-level corruption" could undermine confidence in Ukraine's wartime government among both the Ukrainian public and foreign leaders.

This perspective is more explicit than what is presented in the publicly available version of the 22-page document, which was quietly posted on the State Department's website about a month ago.

The confidential version, which is approximately three times longer, provides more detailed information about US objectives in Ukraine, addressing issues such as privatizing banks, promoting English language education in schools, and encouraging the adoption of NATO protocols by the Ukrainian military. Many of these goals aim to allegedly combat corruption in the country.

The release of the strategy document highlights the messaging challenge faced by the Biden administration.

While they aim to encourage Ukraine to combat corruption, they must do so cautiously, as being too vocal about the issue could bolster opponents of US aid to Ukraine, including Republican lawmakers trying to block such assistance.

A perception of reduced US support for Kiev might also lead European countries to reconsider their involvement.

Behind the scenes, there are candid discussions happening with Ukrainian officials, acknowledging the corruption issue.

This shift in emphasis on corruption has occurred gradually since Russia's special military operation began in February 2022.

Initially, the Biden administration downplayed the topic to show solidarity with Ukraine and avoid providing ammunition to critics of US military and economic aid.

However, over a year into the conflict, US officials are now raising the issue more prominently in both public and private discussions.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, for example, met with a delegation from Ukrainian anti-corruption institutions in early September.

The Biden administration is currently engaged in discussions with Ukrainian leaders about the potential for linking future economic aid to Ukraine with reforms aimed at addressing corruption and improving the country's appeal for private investments, according to sources familiar with the matter.

These conditions are being considered for economic aid but not for military assistance.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has recently taken actions against top defense officials as part of a crackdown on alleged corruption, signaling his responsiveness to the US and Europe.

The "Integrated Country Strategy" outlines various goals, timelines, and milestones for Ukraine. It is not clear whether the longer version of the strategy has been shared with the Ukrainian government or if a classified version exists.

While many ordinary Ukrainians are likely to welcome the strategy due to their fatigue with endemic corruption, concerns are raised about these conditions affecting the assistance provided to Ukraine to win the ongoing conflict. The document underscores the importance of fulfilling US commitments to equip and train Ukraine's armed forces against Russia's attacks.

The US also outlined a multifaceted strategy for Ukraine, including encouraging Ukraine to develop its domestic defense industry capable of producing its own military equipment, promote defense information technology start-ups in Ukraine, and focus on de-oligarchization, particularly in the energy and mining sectors, as a core tenet of building a better Ukraine.

It also seeks to support Ukrainian institutions in enhancing their oversight capacities, including assessing corruption risks and implementing reforms in human resources offices, assisting Ukraine in various sectors, such as healthcare, cyber defenses, and combating disinformation, and supporting Ukrainian anti-monopoly efforts and initiatives to increase tax revenue.

It also wants to encourage Ukraine's financial systems to increase lending for business expansion, reduce the state's role in the banking sector, promote the teaching of English in Ukraine through technical and other aid, and assist Ukraine in building its capacity to prosecute war crimes within its own judicial system, including the selection of new judges and addressing judicial misconduct complaints.