Russia and the West compete for influence in Ukraine, but Kyiv must reduce corruption to control its destiny
The abrupt resignation of Ukraine’s respected minister of economy and trade, his refusal to “serve as a cover-up for covert corruption,” has triggered political crisis and an onslaught of recriminations about inept governance. More resignations may follow, and the crisis comes during a treacherous period as the West and Russia battle for influence over the country of 45 million. “Notably, the crisis demonstrates the surprising feebleness of Western efforts to improve governance, cut corruption, and foster economic growth,” writes Chris Miller, associate director of the Grand Strategy Program at Yale. “It also exposes a critical weakness in the West’s strategy to confront Russia in the post-Soviet space.” Transparency International ranks Ukraine 130 on corruption out 167 countries. Miller warns that the quest for good governance could take years. In the meantime, political and economic crises mark the country as a major front in the ongoing hostilities between Russia and the West.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and German Chancellor Angela Merkel (not pictured) give statements to the media prior to talks at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, on June 5, 2015. Carsten Koall/Getty Images
KYIV—The idyllic days of the Maidan revolution are over. With the stench of corruption rising from a government that once inspired so much hope, Ukraine is overwhelmed with disillusionment and a clouded political future.
Ukraine’s respected economy minister Aivaras Abromavicius resigned suddenly in February declaring that he would not “serve as a cover-up for covert corruption” and accusing several leading political figures of nefarious dealings. The resignation sent Ukraine into a political crisis, with several other ministers immediately threatening to join Abromavicius in resigning unless the government stems corruption. The ambassadors of Ukraine’s major western allies issued a joint statement criticizing a lack of progress on anti-corruption efforts and threatening to cut off aid.
Ukraine's Economy Minister Aivaras Abromavicius, a Lithuanian national, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Feb. 5, 2016. Abromavicius says routine efforts from government leadership to shoot down reforms—further damaging the country's already crippled economy—prompted him to resign from his post. Aivaras Abromavicius wrote in his resignation letter published on Feb. 3, 2016, that Ukraine's leadership lacks the political will to enact much-needed changes and has routinely obstructed reforms. AP Photo/Sergei Chuzavkov
