Ukraine on Wednesday launched a wave of anti-corruption searches targeting administrations, officials and personalities, the authorities ensuring that the fight against embezzlement is a priority in the context of the war effort and Western aid. David Arakhamia, leader of President Volodymyr Zelensky's party, announced on Telegram that billionaire Igor Kolomoiski, ex-interior minister Arsen Avakov and the Ukrainian tax authorities had been targeted, while the Customs Directorate was sacked . Senior officials from the Ministry of Defense also received visits from investigators.
The Ukrainian authorities, whose war effort largely depends on the military and financial support of Europe and the United States, are also challenged to curb the financial shenanigans so as not to disgust the allies. Investigators from the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) on Tuesday released footage of the search of Igor Kolomoiski's home, as part of a 40 billion hryvnia (around one billion euros at the current rate) embezzlement case involving companies oil companies.
Last week, on the orders of Volodymyr Zelensky, senior presidential administration and ministry officials, governors and prosecutors were forced out after becoming embroiled in shady deals. A few days earlier, a scandal had erupted, after revelations about a contract at allegedly overvalued prices for food products intended for soldiers in several regions.
So far, the West has refused to deliver these systems and planes, for fear of provoking a new Russian escalation. But US President Joe Biden said Tuesday he would discuss it with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky. Already, after long procrastination, Europeans and Americans have given the green light this month to deliveries of modern heavy tanks, even if their number remains at this stage below what kyiv claims.
Many observers believe that both kyiv and Moscow are preparing new offensives for the end of winter or spring. After a series of humiliating setbacks in the fall, Russia mobilized hundreds of thousands of reservists.
