The United States has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine, especially since the Russian invasion. With financial, military, and humanitarian aid amounting to more than $75 billion the U.S. commitment to Ukraine is unwavering.
However, this support is now at risk due to ongoing corruption issues within the Ukrainian government.
Despite President Joe Biden's steadfast commitment to Ukraine, several forms of American aid to the country are in jeopardy, reports CNN.
The U.S. Congress has yet to approve Biden's request for an additional $24 billion in aid to Ukraine. Some of the resistance comes from Republicans who are hesitant to provide such a large sum without conditions or proper oversight.
"The message to Ukrainians has been that if any of these funds are misappropriated, it jeopardizes all American aid to the country," said an American official with insight into the matter. The White House has now drafted a list of reforms that it expects Ukraine to implement.
However, this list should not be seen as an ultimatum for military aid, according to U.S. embassy officials in Kyiv.
Zelensky's Warning
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed gratitude for the support his country has received from the U.S. He has also pledged to take action against corruption in Ukraine.
"Let me warn all parliamentarians, government officials, and civil servants," he said in a speech last summer, adding that anyone "who works against the state" will not be tolerated.
Several ministers have been fired from the Ukrainian government this fall, including Defense Minister Oleksij Reznikov, whose department has been accused of multiple corruption scandals. Reznikov himself stated that his dismissal was due to "other reasons," according to the Washington Post.
The situation has raised questions about the effectiveness of U.S. aid and the need for stricter conditions. It also puts a spotlight on the challenges Ukraine faces in combating corruption while receiving international support.
