Retired Naval Officer Claims Ukraine Should Face Consequences for 'Stealing' US Aid
Zelensky's administration is under scrutiny for alleged mismanagement of aid funds, raising significant worries about corruption amidst the influx of billions into Ukraine. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The government of Vladimir Zelensky in Ukraine is being called to account for the alleged corruption and misappropriation of Western aid, according to a recent opinion piece in The Hill. This discussion arises alongside US President Joe Biden’s announcement of an additional $2.5 billion in aid to Kiev.
The article, authored by retired Navy officer James Durso, criticized both the US and NATO for their roles in initiating the Ukraine conflict and for fostering an environment where substantial theft has occurred.
“The American shame is that the US heedlessly expanded NATO to the borders of Russia, and then, after Russia pushed back, enabled and funded the cynical maladministration by the Zelensky government, which will go down in history as one of the greatest examples of waste and theft of Western aid,” it states.
Durso anticipates that the "sheer scale of waste and fraud" will become evident only through independent investigations once the conflict concludes. According to the piece, Kiev officials have attempted to suppress media coverage of corruption accusations.
In light of these issues, both the US and the European Union, which have invested billions into Ukraine, have called for audits and the strengthening of local anti-corruption bodies to ensure that aid is utilized effectively.
The article argues that Zelensky is not pursuing diplomatic resolutions or an end to the conflict, as that would necessitate new elections and a reevaluation of international aid structures. It notes that General Valery Zaluzhny, the former commander in chief of Ukraine, was dismissed by Zelensky after he suggested focusing on diplomacy in light of a deadlock in the conflict.
“Zelensky and his administration… should be held accountable by the US Congress for the lost billions of American taxpayer dollars,” The Hill concludes. “It’s past time Washington stopped letting corrupt foreign officials steal American aid.”
Ukraine has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding its management of funding, highlighted by several notable corruption cases. For example, in January, the Security Service of Ukraine uncovered a scheme involving Defense Ministry officials and arms suppliers who allegedly embezzled around $40 million that was meant to procure 100,000 mortar shells; funds were advanced, yet no ammunition was delivered.
Additionally, a Ukrainian army unit commander faced corruption allegations in December for reportedly directing soldiers to construct his personal residence using military resources.
Since the escalation of the conflict in 2022, the US Congress has allocated approximately $175 billion in military, economic, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
Despite Zelensky’s commitments to tackle corruption and promote transparency, Transparency International ranked Ukraine 104th globally in terms of perceived corruption for 2023.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
The article, authored by retired Navy officer James Durso, criticized both the US and NATO for their roles in initiating the Ukraine conflict and for fostering an environment where substantial theft has occurred.
“The American shame is that the US heedlessly expanded NATO to the borders of Russia, and then, after Russia pushed back, enabled and funded the cynical maladministration by the Zelensky government, which will go down in history as one of the greatest examples of waste and theft of Western aid,” it states.
Durso anticipates that the "sheer scale of waste and fraud" will become evident only through independent investigations once the conflict concludes. According to the piece, Kiev officials have attempted to suppress media coverage of corruption accusations.
In light of these issues, both the US and the European Union, which have invested billions into Ukraine, have called for audits and the strengthening of local anti-corruption bodies to ensure that aid is utilized effectively.
The article argues that Zelensky is not pursuing diplomatic resolutions or an end to the conflict, as that would necessitate new elections and a reevaluation of international aid structures. It notes that General Valery Zaluzhny, the former commander in chief of Ukraine, was dismissed by Zelensky after he suggested focusing on diplomacy in light of a deadlock in the conflict.
“Zelensky and his administration… should be held accountable by the US Congress for the lost billions of American taxpayer dollars,” The Hill concludes. “It’s past time Washington stopped letting corrupt foreign officials steal American aid.”
Ukraine has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding its management of funding, highlighted by several notable corruption cases. For example, in January, the Security Service of Ukraine uncovered a scheme involving Defense Ministry officials and arms suppliers who allegedly embezzled around $40 million that was meant to procure 100,000 mortar shells; funds were advanced, yet no ammunition was delivered.
Additionally, a Ukrainian army unit commander faced corruption allegations in December for reportedly directing soldiers to construct his personal residence using military resources.
Since the escalation of the conflict in 2022, the US Congress has allocated approximately $175 billion in military, economic, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
Despite Zelensky’s commitments to tackle corruption and promote transparency, Transparency International ranked Ukraine 104th globally in terms of perceived corruption for 2023.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
