E.U. Cuts Aid to Ukraine Over Corruption Concerns

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1. President Volodymyr Zelensky’s anticorruption policies have already provoked Ukraine’s first antigovernment protests since the Russian invasion in 2022. Now, it seems, they may cost the country a portion of its foreign aid from the European Union, in a clear rebuke from the bloc, once a staunch ally.

   The European Union said on Friday that it would withhold 1.5 billion euros, or $1.7 billion, from an overall fund of 4.5 billion euros whose disbursement is dependent on achieving good governance standards and that can’t be used for military purchases. The decision is not final, however, and the funding can be restored if Ukraine meets certain benchmarks.

   Mr. Zelensky had no public comment on the aid cut, which nevertheless was a setback for Ukraine’s leader, who is depending on European financial support to fill gaps left by the Trump administration’s refusal to underwrite Ukraine’s war effort.

   While holding back Western aid to spur reform was common before Russia’s invasion, Friday’s decision seemed to signal a new willingness by the bloc to admonish Mr. Zelensky’s government on domestic policy during the war. It also raised questions about whether the glow around Mr. Zelensky might be beginning to dim among Ukraine’s Western allies.

2. I can understand why the corruption organization was brought under government control for the length of the war. A house divided against itself cannot stand.

   But I can also understand why the EU would be wary to put their full support behind that when the entire point of this war, from the western perspective, is protecting independance and democracy from an autocratic criminal empire.

3. Absolutely massive mistep on Zelenskyy’s part. He’s proven to be an exceptional war leader but this was a bad move.

4. Holy Shit. You mean to tell me that what was once considered an immensely corrupt country is engaging in corruption?? Say it aint so! I remember reading the articles saying that the Ukraine was corrupt as f**k.

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