www.aljazeera.com Open in urlscan Pro
2a02:26f0:3500:58c::2392  Public Scan

Form analysis
1 forms found in the DOM

POST

<form id="sib-form-general" method="POST" data-type="subscription">
  <div class="sib-newsletter-form-fields-container"><span class="newsletter-description-line" aria-hidden="false"><span>The latest news from around the world.</span><span>Timely. Accurate. Fair.</span></span>
    <div class="sib-newsletter-form-fields" aria-hidden="false"><input class="sib-newsletter-form-input" type="email" id="email" name="email" autocomplete="email" placeholder="E-mail address" data-required="true" aria-label="E-mail address"
        tabindex="0" value=""><button class="sib-form-submit " form="sib-form-general" type="submit" aria-label="signup for Weekly Newsletter" tabindex="0">Sign up</button></div>
    <div class="error-message" aria-hidden="true" role="alert" aria-atomic="true" aria-live="error"><img src="/static/media/error-icon.c8fb9e1b.svg" aria-hidden="true"><span>Your subscription failed. Please try again.</span></div>
    <div class="success-message" aria-hidden="true"><img src="/static/media/right-mark-icon.3a446adc.svg" aria-hidden="true"><span tabindex="-1">Please check your email to confirm your subscription</span></div>
  </div>
  <div class="sib-newsletter-privacy-policy"><span aria-hidden="true">By signing up, you agree to our </span><a href="https://privacy.aljazeera.net/" aria-label="By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy.">Privacy Policy</a></div>
</form>

Text Content

SKIP LINKS

Skip to Content

play


LIVE

Close navigation menu


NAVIGATION MENU

 * NewsShow more news sections
    * Middle East
    * Africa
    * Asia
    * US & Canada
    * Latin America
    * Europe
    * Asia Pacific

 * Ukraine war
 * Features
 * Economy
 * Opinion
 * Video
 * MoreShow more sections
    * Coronavirus
    * Climate Crisis
    * Investigations
    * Interactives
    * In Pictures
    * Science & Technology
    * Sports
    * Podcasts

play


LIVE

Click here to searchsearch
BREAKINGLeaders of Germany, France and Italy to visit Kyiv in show of
solidarityBREAKINGWar-related food crisis to heighten record levels of
displacement: UNBREAKINGSeverodonetsk fighters have ignored Moscow's calls to
surrender
Click to pause breaking news tickerpause-square-backgroundClose Breaking News
Tickerclose
News|Russia-Ukraine war


HOW MUCH OF A PROBLEM IS CORRUPTION IN UKRAINE?

Analysts say that Ukraine has long suffered from systemic corruption but that
Russia, which often weaponises the issue, is in no position to judge.


Ukrainian leaders Yanukovych, Zelenskyy and Poroshenko have all been accused of
failing to stop corruption [AP]
By Thomas O Falk
Published On 15 Jun 202215 Jun 2022
facebooktwitterwhatsapp

Three years ago, on May 20, 2019, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with a hint of irony,
said in his inauguration speech that his election victory proved that Ukrainians
were tired of experienced politicians who over the past 28 years had created a
country of opportunities – “opportunities to steal, bribe and loot”.

The former comedian, who promised to tackle corruption in his campaign, added:
“Let’s build a country of other opportunities. Where everybody is equal before
the law and where the rules of the game are honest and transparent, that are the
same for everyone.”


KEEP READING

list of 4 items
list 1 of 4


LEBANESE JUDGE CHARGES CENTRAL BANK CHIEF WITH CORRUPTION

list 2 of 4


JACOB ZUMA CORRUPTION TRIAL POSTPONED PENDING LATEST APPEAL

list 3 of 4


MYANMAR’S AUNG SAN SUU KYI SENTENCED TO JAIL FOR CORRUPTION

list 4 of 4


KYRGYZSTAN ARRESTS HEALTH MINISTER FOR ALLEGED CORRUPTION

end of list

Ukraine has long been associated with corruption and oligarchy and Russia has
used these talking points to partially justify its war against the country.

However, analysts say that Ukraine today has made significant strides to root
out corruption as they note Russia is in no position to criticise.

According to Transparency International’s 2021 Corruption Perceptions Index,
Ukraine ranked 122nd out of 180 countries, near countries such as Zambia, Gabon
and Mexico, while nations like Denmark and Finland ranked first.

That year, Ukraine was the second most corrupt in Europe. Russia was the most
corrupt at 136.

But according to Koen Slootmaeckers, senior lecturer in international politics
at City, University of London, “we need to be very careful on how we discuss the
issue of corruption in Ukraine as if we are not, we only add to the Russia
propaganda narrative which uses corruption as a justification for its own
aggression.

“This is particularly the case when we start this conversation by comparing
Ukraine to African countries where Western powers often use corruption to
continue subordinating African nations and put them under special measures and
development aid conditionality,” he told Al Jazeera.

At his inauguration in 2019, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said
Ukrainians were tired of established politicians who had ‘created opportunities
– opportunities to steal, bribe and loot’ [File: Efrem Lukatsky/AP Photo]

While there is little doubt corruption has troubled Ukraine’s society and
political landscape, everyday Ukrainians have repeatedly stood up against
government wrongdoing and called for the rule of law, democracy and
self-determination, such as during the Orange Revolution in 2004 and the
pro-European protests of the Euromaidan movement some 10 years later.

The Orange Revolution was a series of strikes and protests linked to allegations
of vote-rigging in favour of Viktor Yanukovych, a pro-Russian candidate in the
2004 presidential election.


SIGN UP FOR AL JAZEERA

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

The latest news from around the world.Timely. Accurate. Fair.
Sign up
Your subscription failed. Please try again.
Please check your email to confirm your subscription
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy

The Euromaidan in 2013-2014 was the result of the then-government’s decision not
to sign the European Union-Ukraine Association Agreement with the bloc. Those
protests ended with Yanukovych’s resignation.

“When it comes to Ukraine, the Euromaidan revolution was largely sparked by a
desire to change the political regime and tackle the issue of corruption in
Ukraine,” said Slootmaeckers.


LEGACY OF SOVIET UNION

But Ukraine experienced widespread systemic corruption long before the
Yanukovych era.

Bribes or “gifts” were common in the public system. Ukrainians would have to
resort to bribing officials to get better access to public services, such as
education or healthcare, or to prevent being denied them.

“Unfortunately, this type of widespread systemic corruption is complicated to
tackle and requires sustained efforts for at least a generation or even more,”
Cristian Nitoiu, a lecturer in diplomacy and international governance at
Loughborough University, told Al Jazeera.

“The legacy of the Soviet Union plays an important role, as citizens had to
learn how to navigate a system of informal relations and rules, where everyone
had equal rights on paper, but in practice, some people were more ‘equal’ than
others.

“These developments are not unique to Ukraine, as most post-Soviet and Communist
countries experienced them, including Russia, but Ukraine, alongside Moldova,
were extreme cases.”

Hundreds of thousands joined the Maidan protests, which led to the fall of
pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych [File: Gleb Garanich/Reuters]

However, a lot has transpired in Ukraine since the Euromaidan in 2014. The
government has been working with the OECD to reduce corruption and has adopted
several anti-corruption measures, including an anti-corruption strategy and
criminal code reforms which have brought Ukraine into compliance with
international standards.

Two anti-corruption bodies – the Corruption Prevention Agency and the National
Anti-Corruption Bureau – have also been launched.

These measures have tightened the reporting requirements for politicians and
state officials regarding their income.

Moreover, post-2014, Ukraine has moved closer to the European Union.

Signing the Association Agreement with the EU has seen Ukraine implement reforms
in the area of the rule of law and the judiciary more broadly.

“Progress on implementing these reforms has been slow but steady,” Nitoiu noted.
“Key achievements [include] strengthening the independence of prosecutors or
judges, as well as providing prosecutors with increased resources and autonomy
to tackle corruption.”

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s economic relations with Russia have been almost completely
severed amid the war, eliminating another source of high-level corruption.

Ukraine has also taken steps to address the more structural corruption that is
widespread in society by educating younger generations.

However, reforms still have shortcomings.

“It is hard to brand Ukraine currently as a corrupt country as it is
experiencing a war. However, it is very likely that issues related to structural
corruption that is endemic in society, as well as corruption, are still present
and will continue to be so after the conclusion of the conflict,” said Nitoiu.

Corruption was one of the reasons Ukrainians were dissatisfied with former
President Petro Poroshenko.



As a result, they voted in favour of fresh faces and different rules with the
election of Zelenskyy.

The 44-year-old has been rhetorically relatively supportive of implementing the
reforms demanded by the EU. However, his government has often been seen as
pursuing laws that protect the interests of Ukrainian oligarchs.

“Through his tenure, Transparency International registered a rise in the level
of corruption perceived by the Ukrainian public. In the policy and academic
sphere, Zelenskyy has been frequently criticised for being in the pocket of
Ukrainian oligarchs who did not have a privileged position under Poroshenko’s
presidency,” explained Nitoiu.

However, Zelenskyy also made his mark in tackling corruption in Ukraine, Ola
Onuch, senior lecturer in politics at the University of Manchester, told Al
Jazeera.

“Major policy successes like Zelenskyy’s ability to pass a law ending political
immunity, which long protected political corruption, are remarkable successes.

“Reforms in the banking sector and other business areas were also impressive.
More reforms are needed, including in the justice system, but Ukraine has seen
many reforms and far more positive steps in this regard than Russia.”

Source: Al Jazeera

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 * AboutShow more
    * About Us
    * Code of Ethics
    * Terms and Conditions
    * EU/EEA Regulatory Notice
    * Privacy Policy
    * Cookie Policy
    * Cookie PreferencesManage Preferences
    * Sitemap
    * Community Guidelines
    * Work for us
    * HR Quality

 * ConnectShow more
    * Contact Us
    * Apps
    * Channel Finder
    * TV Schedule
    * Podcasts
    * Submit a Tip

 * Our ChannelsShow more
    * Al Jazeera Arabic
    * Al Jazeera English
    * Al Jazeera Investigative Unit
    * Al Jazeera Mubasher
    * Al Jazeera Documentary
    * Al Jazeera Balkans
    * AJ+

 * Our NetworkShow more
    * Al Jazeera Centre for Studies
    * Al Jazeera Media Institute
    * Learn Arabic
    * Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights
    * Al Jazeera Forum
    * Al Jazeera Hotel Partners

Follow Al Jazeera English:

 * rss
 * instagram-colored-outline
 * youtube
 * twitter
 * facebook


© 2022 Al Jazeera Media Network


PRIVACY PREFERENCE CENTER

We process your data to deliver content or advertisements and measure the
delivery of such content or advertisements to extract insights about our
website. We share this information with our partners on the basis of consent and
legitimate interest. You may exercise your right to consent or object to a
legitimate interest, based on a specific purpose below or at a partner level in
the link under each purpose. These choices will be signaled to our vendors
participating in the Transparency and Consent Framework.
View Our Cookie Policy
Allow All


MANAGE CONSENT PREFERENCES

STRICTLY NECESSARY COOKIES

Always Active

These cookies are necessary for our website to function, and we can not switch
them off in our systems. They provide you with essential services and features
available through the websites that you have requested. Some parts of our
website will not work if you set your browser to block these cookies. These
cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.

PERFORMANCE COOKIES

Performance Cookies

These cookies allow us to understand how you interact with our websites. It
helps us to make internal business decisions, like how we can best improve our
site design, performance, or stability. We receive this information aggregated
and anonymized.

FUNCTIONAL COOKIES

Functional Cookies

These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and
personalization. We or our providers whose services we have added to our pages
set these cookies. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these
services may not function properly.

TARGETING COOKIES

Targeting Cookies

These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners.
Advertisers use this information to build a profile and make advertising
messages more relevant to you. They do not store personal information directly
but uses unique identifiers of your browser or device.

SOCIAL MEDIA COOKIES

Social Media Cookies

These cookies enable you to share or follow the content you find interesting.
Our social media partners set these cookies through our websites. This allows us
to provide seamless integration between our websites and the social media
networks and tools you like.

STORE AND/OR ACCESS INFORMATION ON A DEVICE

Store and/or access information on a device

Cookies, device identifiers, or other information can be stored or accessed on
your device for the purposes presented to you.

List of IAB Vendors‎ | View Full Legal Text Opens in a new Tab

CREATE A PERSONALISED CONTENT PROFILE

Create a personalised content profile

A profile can be built about you and your interests to show you personalised
content that is relevant to you.

Object to Legitimate Interests Remove Objection
List of IAB Vendors‎ | View Full Legal Text Opens in a new Tab

SELECT PERSONALISED CONTENT

Select personalised content

Personalised content can be shown to you based on a profile about you.

Object to Legitimate Interests Remove Objection
List of IAB Vendors‎ | View Full Legal Text Opens in a new Tab

MEASURE CONTENT PERFORMANCE

Measure content performance

The performance and effectiveness of content that you see or interact with can
be measured.

Object to Legitimate Interests Remove Objection
List of IAB Vendors‎ | View Full Legal Text Opens in a new Tab

PERSONALISED ADS, AD MEASUREMENT, AUDIENCE INSIGHTS AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT.

Personalised ads, ad measurement, audience insights and product development.

 * SELECT BASIC ADS
   
   Switch Label
   
   Ads can be shown to you based on the content you’re viewing, the app you’re
   using, your approximate location, or your device type.
   
   Object to Legitimate Interests Remove Objection

 * CREATE A PERSONALISED ADS PROFILE
   
   Switch Label
   
   A profile can be built about you and your interests to show you personalised
   ads that are relevant to you.
   
   Object to Legitimate Interests Remove Objection

 * SELECT PERSONALISED ADS
   
   Switch Label
   
   Personalised ads can be shown to you based on a profile about you.
   
   Object to Legitimate Interests Remove Objection

 * MEASURE AD PERFORMANCE
   
   Switch Label
   
   The performance and effectiveness of ads that you see or interact with can be
   measured.
   
   Object to Legitimate Interests Remove Objection

 * APPLY MARKET RESEARCH TO GENERATE AUDIENCE INSIGHTS
   
   Switch Label
   
   Market research can be used to learn more about the audiences who visit
   sites/apps and view ads.
   
   Object to Legitimate Interests Remove Objection

 * DEVELOP AND IMPROVE PRODUCTS
   
   Switch Label
   
   Your data can be used to improve existing systems and software, and to
   develop new products
   
   Object to Legitimate Interests Remove Objection

List of IAB Vendors‎ | View Full Legal Text Opens in a new Tab

USE PRECISE GEOLOCATION DATA

Use precise geolocation data

Your precise geolocation data can be used in support of one or more purposes.
This means your location can be accurate to within several meters.

List of IAB Vendors‎ | View Full Legal Text Opens in a new Tab

ACTIVELY SCAN DEVICE CHARACTERISTICS FOR IDENTIFICATION

Actively scan device characteristics for identification

Your device can be identified based on a scan of your device's unique
combination of characteristics.

List of IAB Vendors‎ | View Full Legal Text Opens in a new Tab

ENSURE SECURITY, PREVENT FRAUD, AND DEBUG

Always Active

Your data can be used to monitor for and prevent fraudulent activity, and ensure
systems and processes work properly and securely.

List of IAB Vendors‎ | View Full Legal Text Opens in a new Tab

TECHNICALLY DELIVER ADS OR CONTENT

Always Active

Your device can receive and send information that allows you to see and interact
with ads and content.

List of IAB Vendors‎ | View Full Legal Text Opens in a new Tab

MATCH AND COMBINE OFFLINE DATA SOURCES

Always Active

Data from offline data sources can be combined with your online activity in
support of one or more purposes

List of IAB Vendors‎ | View Full Legal Text Opens in a new Tab

LINK DIFFERENT DEVICES

Always Active

Different devices can be determined as belonging to you or your household in
support of one or more of purposes.

List of IAB Vendors‎ | View Full Legal Text Opens in a new Tab

RECEIVE AND USE AUTOMATICALLY-SENT DEVICE CHARACTERISTICS FOR IDENTIFICATION

Always Active

Your device might be distinguished from other devices based on information it
automatically sends, such as IP address or browser type.

List of IAB Vendors‎ | View Full Legal Text Opens in a new Tab
Back Button


PERFORMANCE COOKIES



Search Icon
Filter Icon

Clear
checkbox label label
Apply Cancel
Consent Leg.Interest
checkbox label label
checkbox label label
checkbox label label

Reject All Confirm My Choices



YOU RELY ON AL JAZEERA FOR TRUTH AND TRANSPARENCY

We and our partners store and access information on your device, such as unique
IDs in cookies to process personal data. You may accept and manage your choices
at any time by clicking `Manage Preferences`, including your right to object
where legitimate interest is relied upon. Your choices will be signaled to our
partners and will not affect your browsing.To learn more, please view our Cookie
Policy.


WE AND OUR PARTNERS PROCESS DATA TO PROVIDE:

Use precise geolocation data. Actively scan device characteristics for
identification. Store and/or access information on a device. Create a
personalised content profile. Select personalised content. Measure content
performance. Personalised ads, ad measurement, audience insights and product
development.. List of Partners (vendors)

Allow All Reject All Manage Preferences