Despite the ongoing war, Kyiv experienced a political resurgence thanks to Volodymyr Zelensky’s vision for the upcoming elections. Additionally, Ukrainian authorities launched a major campaign against corruption, a victory which is just as crucial for the Ukrainians as defeating Russia.
Many Ukrainians consider corruption the second biggest problem in their country, right after the ongoing war. This issue is particularly concerning as it is closely linked with the defense of the nation and contributes to a growing sense of unfairness among Ukrainian defenders.
Recently, the Ukrainian Pravda portal, relying on the sources in the Verkhovna Rada, reported that Oleksiy Reznikov’s dismissal from his position as Minister of Defence will happen soon. This news comes as corruption scandals related to the army are beginning to harm the reputation of Volodymyr Zelensky’s team and their credibility with Western allies. Rustem Umerov has already become the new Minister of Defence. During the war, the Defence Minister is not the primary decision-making authority for the military. Instead, the staff, military command, the President, and his National Security and Defense Council make the necessary decisions.
The Ministry plays a crucial role in supporting the Ukrainian armed forces by handling their economic and organizational needs, including acquiring equipment and supplies. Unfortunately, corruption is prevalent in this sector, making it vulnerable to abuse. Recently, Reznikov clarified the details of a contract for winter jackets that were procured for the army. Media reports show that the military received clothing that did not meet the specifications outlined in their orders. Additionally, there are concerns over a Polish company named Alfa, which has been accused of failing to fulfill multi-million dollar contracts, including those related to ammunition. Resnikov had to make some explanations about this contract as well.
Corruption scandals and suspicions have plagued the Defense Ministry. Volodymyr Zelensky remembers well that corruption related to defense contracts in 2019 ruined the election campaign of his competitor – Petro Poroshenko. As a result, Zelensky’s team has declared a significant battle against corruption, which he is leading alongside the ongoing defensive war with Russia.
Draft dodgers
Zelensky has announced an inspection of medical commissions throughout Ukraine. The military commissions and army conscription system are set to go as first under the magnifying glass. It concerns the Ukrainians, as some draft dodgers have fled the army with bought travel permits and incapacity for service decisions from military commissions. The bribes paid for this range from 2,000 to 15,000 USD.
MP Lyudmyla Marchenko was expelled from the ruling Servant of the People party in July. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau, a special service, had contacted her earlier as part of an investigation. When agents surrounded her villa near Kyiv, Marchenko attempted to dispose of cash parcels. The money was obtained through bribes for securing foreign travel permits for men under military duty. The Deputy charged USD 5,300 for each permit. Last May, the SSU caught a group of corrupt border guards who accepted thousands of USD to allow individuals to cross the border. It is believed that around 400,000 people have departed from Ukraine since the start of the war, including men required to serve in the military.
Recently, David Arachamiya, the Head of the Servant of the People faction, stated that the Ukrainians who leave the country illegally to offer bribes will be prosecuted abroad based on extradition agreements. These ideas may seem radical, but there must be a reason behind them. Until now, the Ukrainian authorities have avoided confronting any problems with mobilization, and some conscripts resort to illegal means to avoid service. Publicly addressing this problem carries a particular risk, such as the information used by Russian propaganda and groups hostile to Ukraine in the West. However, addressing the root causes is more important than image losses.
Kyiv’s army needs reinforcements as they are currently engaged in a challenging battle at the front. The equipment supplied by the West needs more reserves to operate and receive training. The US, one of Kyiv’s Western partners, is increasing its focus on corruption. Joe Biden stated that combating corruption is a prerequisite for NATO membership before the Alliance’s Summit in Vilnius. Another reason to intensify the fight against corruption is due to internal and political factors. The possibility of upcoming elections is present, but the details remain uncertain.
Mobilizing elections
During an interview with Portuguese station RTP, Zelensky hinted that elections may be held for the first time since the start of the war. Just two days prior, the President did not dismiss the possibility in an interview with Ukrainian media. Rumors have been circulating in political Kyiv for weeks that elections could occur next year. Additionally, it’s been noted that the Americans are encouraged for a while to carry out the elections despite the ongoing conflict.
– In 2024, if the war persists and elections are held, I will never leave my country. I think world democracy will support us,” Zelensky said, hinting that he would run.
According to Zelensky, holding elections would require significant financial support from foreign sources due to the high costs of conducting them during wartime. Additionally, many politicians need assistance envisioning the elections’ technical aspects. Many of them are also struggling to determine the logistics of holding elections under these circumstances, such as how to manage areas under occupation, the large number of voters in the military, and the millions of citizens in exile. Despite ongoing challenges, it is crucial to hold presidential elections next year as the constitution schedules. Additionally, elections for the Verkhovna Rada are also approaching. Although parliamentary elections are on hold due to the ongoing war, holding a presidential election under extraordinary circumstances could pave the way for parliamentary elections next year, bringing significant changes to Ukrainian politics.
It is evident that Zelensky’s team has started to revitalize their political party, Servant of the Nation. The party has faced multiple scandals, even during the war, including the recent scandal involving MP Yuri Aristov’s luxurious vacation in the Maldives. In response, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, has banned foreign trips for Deputies.
The party’s discipline is just starting. Zelensky and his political circle have received considerable backing thus far. The Ukrainians unite around authority during times of conflict, but corruption and scandals have severely damaged the image of those in power. The top priorities of war and national defense take precedence over tackling bribery and improving the states now. Holding elections would signify a return to normality in public life for the Ukrainians and make the battle against corruption equally important.
Michał Kacewicz/belsat.eu
Translated by PEV
