Mon. Dec 23rd, 2024

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NEW DELHI: In a confidential US strategy document it is revealed that the Biden administration is more concerned about corruption in Ukraine than publicly acknowledged.
According to a report by POLITICO, The document emphasizes the need to address corruption in Ukraine promptly, as it could lead to Western allies withdrawing support for Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s invasion.
The document warns that “perceptions of high-level corruption” could erode confidence in Ukraine’s wartime government, a sentiment more explicit than what the public version of the document conveys.
The confidential version of the “Integrated Country Strategy” outlines a comprehensive plan for addressing various issues in Ukraine, including privatization of banks, English education, and military reforms, with a strong emphasis on reducing corruption, POLITICO reported.
Promoting English education is seen as a way to strengthen ties between Ukraine and the United States. The document also mentions US support for Ukraine in prosecuting war crimes within its judicial system.
However, the Biden administration faces a messaging challenge, as they aim to push Ukraine to combat corruption without providing fodder to critics, especially Republican lawmakers who oppose US aid to Ukraine.
While corruption was downplayed initially to show solidarity with Kyiv, US officials are now openly discussing it.
National security adviser Jake Sullivan recently met with Ukrainian anti-corruption officials, and discussions are underway about linking future economic aid to corruption-reduction efforts, although military aid remains unaffected.
Additionally, the document outlines US assistance in Ukraine’s health sector, cyber defenses, and efforts to combat disinformation. It calls for anti-monopoly measures and increased tax revenue, along with reforms in the financial sector.
According to the report, the confidential version also highlights the importance of making Ukraine’s military adhere to NATO standards and terminology. It envisions Ukraine producing its military equipment and fostering a domestic defense industry.
Furthermore, the document addresses the need for “deoligarchization” in Ukraine, especially in the energy and mining sectors, POLITICO reported.



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