Dutch FM: Corruption reports in Ukraine raise alarms among key donors

Countries that provide substantial financial assistance to Ukraine view recent corruption reports with concern, as they suggest the potential misuse of international aid.

As reported by a European Pravda correspondent in Brussels, Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel commented on the issue ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on November 20.

According to van Weel, Ukraine’s partners see the latest corruption allegations as “a troubling sign.”

“We all know that corruption was a problem in Ukraine before and continues to be a problem today,” he said.

However, he stressed that there is at least one positive aspect: Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions have launched an investigation and have not hesitated to scrutinise individuals in power whom they suspect of wrongdoing.

Despite this, the news remains unsettling for Ukraine’s allies.

“Of course, it does not look good for those of us providing major support to Ukraine to see corruption ‘taking away’ funds intended to help the country. This must be addressed, and I expect President Zelenskyy to take a very firm position and act accordingly,” van Weel emphasised.

He added that, for now, the corruption scandals will not affect the continuation of Western support.

“This (a reduction in aid due to corruption) should not happen. That is why it is crucial that President Zelenskyy respond decisively and demonstrate that we can trust that corruption will be stamped out,” the minister concluded.

Recently, Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau revealed a major corruption scheme within the state-owned nuclear company Energoatom, known as “Midas.”

The scheme was allegedly organised by businessman Timur Mindich, co-owner of “Kvartal-95” and a former associate of President Zelenskyy. Prosecutors said Mindich exerted influence over former Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko and former Defence Minister Rustem Umerov.

The European Commission has noted that exposing this scheme demonstrates the effectiveness of Ukraine’s anti-corruption bodies.

By Tamilla Hasanova