Corruption: How Democratic is Ukraine?

In the wake of the corruption scandal in Ukraine’s energy sector, investigations into close associates of President Volodymyr Zelensky continue. The justice minister Herman Halushchenko and energy minister Svitlana Hrynchuk have tendered their resignations. Commentators look at whether the country’s control mechanisms and democracy are still functioning.

When power becomes a trap

The current crisis is also a consequence of the impossibility of holding elections during wartime, writes Ukraine’s Dzerkalo Tyzhnia:

The continuous exercise of power without elections has led to its degeneration. At all levels. This is evident in the decisions made by parliament and the behavior of local authorities. ... The only chance for Zelensky to turn the tide would be to let experts take over government offices and delegate to them the power they are assigned in the constitution. To restore the independence of parliament. To start rebooting the judicial system with fair selection procedures. To let go of the reins of the secret services.

Wars breed shady dealings

Austria’s Kronen Zeitung newspaper can see a silver lining to the corruption scandal:

It should be noted that the corruption network was uncovered by the independent anti-corruption authority. Where nothing is uncovered, there is no corruption – as in Russia, for example. Everything is supposedly squeaky clean there. ... So in Ukraine, the last democratic control mechanisms are still functioning. Nevertheless, corruption is like the Hydra - no matter how many times you cut off its heads, they always grow back. Wars are a breeding ground for shady deals, and the problem goes all the way back to the communist past.”

Other Topics of Interest

Rubio Warns of ‘Real’ Escalation Risk as Ukraine Strikes Deeper Inside Russia

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that the risk of escalation in Russia’s war against Ukraine is “real” as Kyiv demonstrates growing ability to strike deep inside Russian territory. His remarks followed Ukrainian drone attacks on energy infrastructure in St. Petersburg, which Kyiv described as retaliation for deadly Russian strikes that killed at least 23 people.

Fighting on all fronts

The corruption scandal is providing the Russian propaganda machine with new ammunition, Sweden’s Dagens Nyheter fears:

Fake videos of Ukrainian soldiers laying down their arms in tears are being shared on TikTok. The aim is to undermine their will to fight - and to make us in the West believe that there is no point in supporting the country, that it is a lost cause. ... At the same time, there are constant reports from Russia that the economy is faltering, inflation is high and discontent is simmering. For their part, the Ukrainians are not relying on any miracles. They are fighting against corruption, for their independence and for democracy.

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