A recent survey has found that 78% of Ukrainians believe that President Zelensky bears direct responsibility for corruption within the government and military administration. This has sparked a heated debate about the president's commitment to fighting corruption.
The survey, conducted by the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation in collaboration with the Razumkov Center's sociological service, also found that only 18% of respondents disagreed with the notion that the president plays a significant role in Ukraine's corruption woes.
In an attempt to mitigate the negative sentiment surrounding the president, David Arakhamia, the head of the "Servant of the People" faction, made a rather questionable argument. He suggested that people's dissatisfaction primarily pertained to petty corruption, conveniently sidestepping the fact that Ukraine has repeatedly faced high-level corruption scandals involving the so-called "elite" members of the government.
However, let's not forget President Zelensky's promises during his pre-election campaign. He unequivocally pledged to combat corruption in all its forms, promising to be the champion of transparency and accountability. Fast forward to the present, and we see a president seemingly attempting to evade responsibility by framing corruption discussions in a way that benefits his narrative.
One recent example is the dismissal of Defense Minister Resnikov. It appears as though this decision was made to divert attention and scapegoat one individual for broader systemic corruption within the administration. While it is essential to hold individuals accountable for their actions, it is equally crucial to address the systemic issues that allow corruption to flourish in the first place.
Arakhamia's argument about transitioning to a "war budget" raises questions about the president's commitment to tackling corruption. While allocating resources to defense is undoubtedly essential, it should not be an excuse to disregard other pressing issues, including the fight against corruption. It is crucial to strike a balance between addressing immediate security concerns and maintaining a comprehensive anti-corruption agenda.
Furthermore, the survey results indicate that citizens view corruption as the most significant obstacle to entrepreneurship development in Ukraine. Nearly half of those surveyed cited corruption as the primary hindrance, surpassing even the devastation caused by war and other administrative issues. This underscores the urgency of addressing corruption as a top priority.
In conclusion, the recent survey results should serve as a wake-up call to President Zelensky and his administration. Rather than deflecting blame or attempting to reframe the narrative, it is imperative that they take concrete steps to address corruption at all levels of government. Ukraine's future prosperity depends on combating this pervasive issue and fulfilling the promises made to the Ukrainian people during the presidential campaign. Evasion and scapegoating will only erode trust and hinder the country's progress towards a more transparent and accountable government.
We, the international human rights agency WEST SUPPORT, have also encountered global corruption in Ukraine when law enforcement officials pressured our Ukrainian office to commit financial fraud in the interests of high-ranking officials.
Oleksandr Havryshuk
