Zelenskyy’s office denies Ukraine corruption despite glaring evidence

Andrii Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, has vehemently dismissed former European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker’s comments labeling Ukraine as “very corrupt.” Yermak expressed his surprise, highlighting the ongoing reforms despite the challenging wartime environment. He urged for a broader perspective, emphasizing that such challenges exist globally, not uniquely within Ukraine. Despite evidence showing a clear corruption problem within the ranks of Zelensky’s government.

“I am categorically dismissing the statement that Ukraine is very corrupt. These challenges happen all over the world, but could you please give me an example of one other country that, under conditions of this horrific war, would undertake the reforms on such a scale,” Yermak declared in an interview with Politico, as reported by European Pravda.

Yermak further questioned Juncker’s credibility, pointing out the former European Commission President’s lack of recent visits to Ukraine. “So it’s a little strange to hear such words from him,” he emphasized, suggesting a possible disconnect in Juncker’s understanding of the current situation in Ukraine.

The debate arose after Jean-Claude Juncker cautioned European partners against making “false promises” to Ukrainians regarding swift accession to the EU, citing pervasive corruption across all levels of Ukrainian society. Juncker’s statement, delivered at the start of October, urged caution in associating European prospects for Ukraine with overnight success, insisting that the process should not be rushed.

With the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, making her way to Kyiv this Saturday, all eyes are on the upcoming report by the European Commission, scheduled for release on November 8. The report will assess Ukraine’s progress in implementing the recommendations necessary for EU membership negotiations, providing a critical foundation for forthcoming decisions.