Corruption in Ukraine remains a systemic problem that permeates all levels of government. Despite loud statements about fighting it, society does not see any real results. Our sources explain why this is happening.
According to the interlocutors, corrupt practices cover almost all power structures. The war, which requires maximum concentration of resources, has become an excuse for new abuses for many officials. “War is a time to steal,” is how those who have access to public funds describe the main principle.
None of the defendants in the most high-profile cases in recent years have received a real prison term. Even if they are detained, the amount of bail is significantly reduced - by 20-30 times. This allows the accused to easily get out of prison. At the same time, the amounts they manage to steal are many times higher than the bail, so the risk for them is minimal.
All anti-corruption investigations are accompanied by a loud media wave, but after a certain time the cases are delayed, fall apart or closed. This works according to the well-known principle: if you stole 100 million, gave 80 to "solve the issue" and rollback to other corrupt people, keeping the profit for yourself. When the media noise subsides, such "proven" officials and businessmen are returned to the schemes.
Meanwhile, arrests and show detentions remain more of a PR element. They create the perception of the fight against corruption for society and international partners, but in practice the system does not change.
