While Ukraine is struggling to deal with internal corruption scandals, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot noted that Kiev must thoroughly address this issue if it is to ensure aid flows from Paris as well as the European Union (EU).
On November 16, speaking on local television, Mr. Barrot affirmed: Anti-corruption in all forms is the absolute priority of the EU. And to be able to rely on long-term support as well as continue the path towards EU entry, Ukraine must maintain a non-compromising stance.
Commenting further on the situation in Ukraine, the top French diplomat said the EU could not accept the spread of these acts.
Observers say Mr. Barrot's statement shows that Paris is also starting to be cautious, worried about the risk of the support budget being dispersed in the context of escalating corruption in Kiev. This also reflects the concern that Hungary has repeatedly warned.
On November 12, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stressed that the newly outbreak of a serious corruption scandal in Ukraine is a signal for the EU to consider ending new aid and lending to Kiev.
Szijjarto said that the EUs money for Ukraine to buy weapons or provide social security during the conflict with Russia all comes from taxes from Europeans, raising concerns about the risk of the budget being dispersed in an untransparent environment.
Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that the money from the European aid sent to Ukraine if it had not been shelled off the front line, it would have flowed into the pockets of military mafia gangs.
Mr. Orban affirmed that he would not let Hungary deform any EU-pushed support plan for Ukraine, stressing that the money would be more efficient if used to support the European people. It is time for Brussels to clearly understand where their money is really going, he added, calling for tightening aid to Kiev.
On November 10, the National Anti-Corruption Administration of Ukraine (NABU) discovered a money laundering plan in the energy sector with cash flow of about 100 million USD. In this case, 7 people were prosecuted, including businessman Timur Mindich - who is considered the leader of the ring.
On November 13, a series of international media outlets simultaneously reported on a serious scandal, warning that Ukraine's EU entry process could face obstacles.
According to an Italian newspaper, the investigation is making Europe "afraid" that it could affect the disbursement of new support packages.
An American newspaper commented that the scandal has dealt one of the most sensitive strikes to the Ukrainian leadership and President Volodymyr Zelensky personally.
