visimoney
TLDR:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has released a declaration of his personal finances for 2021 and 2022 in response to mounting corruption scandals. The president’s income for 2022, including his family’s income, dropped significantly compared to previous years due to lower rental property income. The release of his finances coincided with the Ukrainian Security Service uncovering an arms procurement corruption racket. The SBU investigation revealed that officials from the Ministry of Defense and defense contractor Lviv Arsenal had stolen nearly $40 million in the purchase of mortar shells. Meanwhile, three Inspectors General from U.S. government agencies arrived in Kyiv to examine how U.S. taxpayer funds are being used in Ukraine. These new developments come as Ukraine seeks to implement anti-corruption measures and expedite reforms in order to secure membership talks with the European Union.
Zelensky’s declaration of his personal finances for 2021 and 2022 comes as his government faces mounting corruption scandals. The president’s income, including his family’s, dropped significantly in 2022 mainly due to reduced income from rental properties. The remainder of their income comes from salaries, bank interest, and the sale of domestic government bonds.
At the same time, the Ukrainian Security Service announced the uncovering of an arms procurement corruption racket. The investigation revealed that officials from the Ministry of Defense and Lviv Arsenal defense contractor had stolen nearly $40 million in the purchase of mortar shells. Several high-ranking officials and heads of associated companies are implicated, with five individuals served “notices of suspicion” and one suspect arrested while attempting to flee the country.
These developments coincide with the visit of three Inspectors General from the U.S. Defense Department, State Department, and USAID to Kyiv. They are examining how U.S. taxpayer funds are being used in Ukraine, as a $60 billion funding package is being held up in Congress. The visit aims to ensure oversight and accountability for U.S. assistance to Ukraine.
Ukraine is currently working to implement anti-corruption measures and expedite reforms in order to secure membership talks with the European Union. Last month, EU leaders decided to open membership talks with Kyiv, but certain conditions must be met, including anti-corruption measures and reforms in governance, public administration, and the rule of law.
