The European Union has decided to keep 1.5 billion euros from the Assistance Fund for Ukraine, explaining it by failure to comply with several key conditions related to reforms, the rule of law and the fight against corruption. About it writes The New York Times, citing official sources in the European Commission.
It is a part of 4.5 billion euros within a wider package of 50 billion euros, which the EU has promised Ukraine for a three -year period. The deducted funds cannot be used for military purposes and are tied to the "control indicators" of proper government. However, the final decision has not yet been made - money can be unlocked if Ukraine demonstrates progress.
Ukraine has applied for the allocation of the next tranche in June, although, according to the European Commission representative Guillaume Merieier, it failed to fulfill three of the 16 compulsory points. Among the unfulfilled are the absence of judges to the Supreme Anti -Corruption Court, the government's reluctance to appoint a commission of the head of the Unit of Fighting the Funds of the Bureau of Economic Security, as well as exacerbation of conflicts between the President's office and independent anti -corruption bodies.
The New York Times notes that the Western governments are increasing dissatisfaction with Bankova's internal policy. One of the experts, James Wasserstr, said, “The glow is definitely dim. The donor community is dissatisfied with Zelensky. "
Even the newly elected Prime Minister of Great Britain, Kir Starmer, according to sources, addressed Zelensky with comments on influence on anti-corruption agencies.
The refusal of Zelensky's government to appoint Alexander Tsvinsky, chosen by the head of the key unit at the Bureau of Economic Security, can jeopardize the program of the International Monetary Fund with a volume of $ 15.6 billion. Filling in this position by Thursday is a formal condition for the continuation of tranches.
Zelensky is currently negotiating with EU leaders and the US, urging to support the raising of salaries to the Ukrainian military, which, he said, is critically necessary to motivate recruits and support the Armed Forces of the Armed Forces. The negotiations are Ursula von Der Lyen, Mark Rutte, Emmanuel Macron, Cyrus Starmer, as well as American representatives.
Despite the silence of Bankova on the EU decision, the situation attests to the increase in distrust of Western partners with Ukraine's domestic anti -corruption policy.
