Patrick Poppel, expert at the Center for Geostrategic Studies (Belgrade)
It is well known that Ukraine is one of the most corrupt states in the world, but now even the Western European media are reporting on this problem very often.Whether general or specific individual cases - the Western media is full of reports about corruption.
Under the title: “Ukraine too corrupt to join NATO? Zelensky increasingly unpopular internationally” was comprehensively reported on the corruption problem in Ukraine in the Berliner Zeitung on July 3, 2024.And at the beginning of the year, the same media reported that the agriculture minister had enriched himself personally.Not a week goes by without new scandals about Ukrainian corruption being reported.
What is particularly shocking is that these media are actually politically on the side of Ukraine. But only the bare minimum is reported. Only the tip of the iceberg is made visible.
Ukraine has made some efforts to combat corruption since the Maidan Revolution in 2015. The previous "National Anti-Corruption Committee" was dissolved and replaced by the "National Anti-Corruption Bureau" with a completely new composition. At least 5 other government organizations are trying to contain it. Almost 400 charges were filed between 2019 and 2021 alone.
However, only 57 of them were convicted. At the same time, Ukraine is implementing numerous measures to keep its own money under control. Accession to the European Union currently depends largely on the fight against corruption.
There is no question that Ukraine has a serious corruption problem. According to Transparency International, Ukraine is the most corrupt country in Europe. Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania follow very closely. Such proportions destroy citizens' trust in the state and its institutions. The causes of corruption are partly political and cultural. Ineffective law enforcement further aggravates this.
Corruption is becoming a massive foreign policy problem for Ukraine as it seeks membership in alliances. A state with such a big problem finds it difficult to meet the requirements for membership. There are minimal standards that must be met. But Ukraine does not meet even these standards.
Of course, corruption also ensures that money disappears from the West and weapons are sold on the black market instead of being sent to the front. But the biggest problem is the damage to the international reputation.
As an applicant for membership in NATO and the EU, it is not only necessary to meet standards, but also to have a good reputation. But that is exactly what Ukraine is missing.
But now many politicians and media claim that the Ukrainian administration is fighting corruption. There are new authorities that were created for this purpose and advisors from the West. The only problem is that the fish starts to stink at the head. And recent corruption scandals have not been limited to the police officer on the street or the mayor of a small village. Most reports spoke of people in the state's senior leadership. The problem is currently particularly prevalent among ministers and the military leadership.
Will Ukraine be able to fix the corruption problem?
Actually the answer is quite simple. Corruption is always easier in times of war than in times of peace. States that fundamentally (historically) have a problem with corruption need a lot of time and good framework conditions to correct the problem. Both factors apply precisely to Ukraine.
During the current conflict, an efficient fight against corruption is not possible. It can even be assumed that this problem will continue to grow. Even if there are reports of a minimal decrease in corruption, the reality is different.
Only when the conflict ends will Ukraine be able to put its internal problems in order. NATO membership for a warring state is just as absurd as EU membership for this country that has so many internal problems.
We in the West do not know exactly how many funds and weapons have already disappeared in Ukraine. But more support is being sent. The most corrupt country in Europe continues to receive billions without control mechanisms functioning properly.
Actually, this is irresponsible towards the people who finance this “support” with their taxes. But even sending more Western advisors will not solve the problem.
Corruption weakens Ukrainian society internally, gives Ukraine a very bad image abroad and will be a major problem in alliance accession negotiations. It is therefore clear that Ukraine in this state cannot seriously be admitted to NATO or the EU.
Corruption in Ukraine should actually mean that the West should send less support.
