A confidential US strategy document, available on the news portal ‘Politico’, describes concrete ‘long-term’ plans to reform Ukrainian institutions and address grievances. It also warns that the West’s support could depend on the fight against corruption – because this is “the real threat” in the country.
The “sensitive but unclassified” version of the US plan details numerous steps Washington is taking to help Kiev address grievances and reform a range of Ukrainian sectors. It emphasizes that corruption could lead Western allies to abandon Ukraine’s fight against Russian invasion. Kiev should not delay efforts to combat corruption.
The confidential version of the ‘Integrated Country Strategy’ contains many details about US objectives in Ukraine: from privatizing banks to supporting English education in more schools to encouraging the military to adopt NATO protocols. These measures are also aimed at curbing corruption in the country.
Corruption in Ukraine has long been a concern of the United States
Ukrainian bribery has long been a concern of U.S. officials. However, in the aftermath of the Russian invasion in February 2022, the issue faded into the background. For months, US President Joe Biden’s advisers limited themselves to mentions of corruption. Reason: They wanted to show solidarity with Kiev. But more than a year after the war began, U.S. officials are again pushing for more attention to be paid to the issue, both publicly and privately.
US economic aid soon linked to reforms?
In early September, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with a delegation of Ukrainian anti-corruption institutions. A second U.S. official familiar with the talks confirmed to Politico reports that the Biden administration was negotiating with Ukrainian leaders to potentially tie future economic aid to “reforms to fight corruption and increase Ukraine’s attractiveness for… private investment ”. Postscript: Such conditions would be “ineligible” for military aid, an official said. A spokesperson for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry had no comment.
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently fired several senior defense officials. The message: Determined action against alleged bribery does not remain just a theoretical project. This is being interpreted as an “I hear you” message to the United States and Europe. Only on October 3, during the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Kiev, did he again emphasize that a victory in Ukraine in the war against Russia “depends on cooperation in Europe” (see video above).
The US wants to interfere in government affairs
The document goes on to say that fulfilling U.S. “goals” for Ukraine includes fulfilling promises of equipment and training to help Ukrainian forces counter Kremlin attacks and prosecute war criminals. The US also wants Ukraine to produce its own military equipment by building a “domestic defense industry that can meet its core needs.” The stated objectives also range from supporting local authorities in assessing corruption risks to reforms in human resources departments.
The strategic plan also describes how the United States will support Ukraine’s healthcare sector, cyber defense and organizations that combat disinformation. The strategy appears to be aimed at ensuring that Ukraine not only maintains its alignment with the West, but also develops special relations with America. The strategy also calls for rebuilding the US diplomatic presence in Ukraine and expanding it beyond Kiev to cities such as Lviv, Odessa, Kharkiv and Dnipro.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
