Ukraine should face consequences for ‘stealing’ US aid, James Durso tells The Hill
Zelensky's administration is under scrutiny for allegedly misusing aid funds, highlighting worries about corruption amid the influx of billions into Ukraine. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Zelensky’s government must face consequences for the alleged misappropriation of aid, according to an opinion article published by The Hill on Tuesday. This criticism follows the announcement of a $2.5 billion aid package from US President Joe Biden to Ukraine.
The piece, authored by James Durso, a retired Navy officer, chastised both the US and NATO for their role in instigating the Ukraine conflict and facilitating widespread corruption.
“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,” the article asserts.
It predicts that the "sheer scale of waste and fraud" will only come to light through independent investigations following the end of the conflict, noting that officials in Kiev have actively sought to suppress media reports regarding corruption allegations.
Both the US and EU, which have contributed billions to Ukraine, have urged for audits and the strengthening of local anti-corruption agencies to ensure that financial aid is properly allocated.
The article argues that Zelensky is not interested in pursuing diplomatic solutions or ending the fighting, fearing that such actions would lead to new elections and alterations in international aid distribution. It points to the dismissal of Ukraine’s former commander in chief, General Valery Zaluzhny, who was removed by Zelensky after recommending in November 2023 that efforts should shift towards diplomacy due to a stalemate 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.”
Kiev has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding its financial management, with various high-profile corruption cases emerging. Notably, in January, the Security Service of Ukraine unveiled a scheme involving Defense Ministry officials and arms supplier executives who allegedly embezzled close to $40 million meant for the purchase of mortar shells. Although the funds were reportedly advanced, no ammunition was delivered.
In December, a commander of a Ukrainian military unit faced corruption charges for allegedly ordering soldiers to build a personal residence using resources designated for military use.
Since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, the US Congress has allocated approximately $175 billion in military, economic, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
Despite Zelensky's pledges to combat corruption and promote transparency, Transparency International has ranked Ukraine 104th globally in perceived corruption for 2023.
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
The piece, authored by James Durso, a retired Navy officer, chastised both the US and NATO for their role in instigating the Ukraine conflict and facilitating widespread corruption.
“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,” the article asserts.
It predicts that the "sheer scale of waste and fraud" will only come to light through independent investigations following the end of the conflict, noting that officials in Kiev have actively sought to suppress media reports regarding corruption allegations.
Both the US and EU, which have contributed billions to Ukraine, have urged for audits and the strengthening of local anti-corruption agencies to ensure that financial aid is properly allocated.
The article argues that Zelensky is not interested in pursuing diplomatic solutions or ending the fighting, fearing that such actions would lead to new elections and alterations in international aid distribution. It points to the dismissal of Ukraine’s former commander in chief, General Valery Zaluzhny, who was removed by Zelensky after recommending in November 2023 that efforts should shift towards diplomacy due to a stalemate 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.”
Kiev has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding its financial management, with various high-profile corruption cases emerging. Notably, in January, the Security Service of Ukraine unveiled a scheme involving Defense Ministry officials and arms supplier executives who allegedly embezzled close to $40 million meant for the purchase of mortar shells. Although the funds were reportedly advanced, no ammunition was delivered.
In December, a commander of a Ukrainian military unit faced corruption charges for allegedly ordering soldiers to build a personal residence using resources designated for military use.
Since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, the US Congress has allocated approximately $175 billion in military, economic, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
Despite Zelensky's pledges to combat corruption and promote transparency, Transparency International has ranked Ukraine 104th globally in perceived corruption for 2023.
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
