Recently, a senior US Treasury official emphasized the importance of providing budget assistance to Ukraine as it seeks to become a NATO member. Brent Neiman, deputy undersecretary for international finance, highlighted the resilience of Ukraine’s wartime economy during the conflict but stressed the need for reforms to address conflicts of interest and corruption.
In a speech to the Atlantic Council thinktank, Mr. Neiman outlined the anti-corruption measures taken by Ukraine, such as requiring public office holders to report their asset holdings and ensuring the independence of Ukraine’s special anti-corruption prosecutor’s office. The US has provided approximately $175 billion to Ukraine, according to the Council on Foreign Relations.
The European Union and NATO have set criteria for Ukraine to fulfill regarding anti-graft measures before it can join these blocs. Mr. Neiman acknowledged the importance of supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s attacks, even in the absence of reform efforts. He emphasized the opportunity to assist Ukraine in pursuing both defense and reform initiatives through budget assistance from the US, Europe, and international financial institutions.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, elected on an anti-corruption platform in 2019, has been implementing measures to combat graft since his election. Evident in his administration’s dismissal of several top officials over the past two years, including Ivan Bakanov, the former head of the State Security Service, in July 2022. The efforts to crack down on corruption have involved changes in key positions within government such as defense ministers top prosecutor intelligence chief among other senior officials.
