President Joe Biden’s administration is reportedly secretly worried about corruption in Ukraine despite putting on brave face for the public over the situation.
Politico obtained a confidential U.S. strategy document in which U.S. officials discuss objectives that they have for helping Ukraine “root out malfeasance and otherwise reform an array of Ukrainian sectors,” the report said.
The document warns that corruption in the country could cause nations to pull their support from the country as it battles the Russian military.
The report said that the administration wants to “press Ukraine to cut graft, not least because U.S. dollars are at stake.”
The administration is reportedly concerned about being too loud about pressuring Ukraine to tackle its corruption issues because they are worried Republicans will use the issue to cut back funding to Ukraine which could then spark other countries to do the same.
Top elected U.S. officials responded to the report by demanding more accountability surrounding the entire situation.
“Millions of Americans are struggling each day to make ends meet,” said Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY). “Is it fair to funnel our hard-earned money to a corrupt foreign government? My oath of office requires me to put the American people first, not Ukraine’s oligarchy.”
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) posted on X: “Now we learn that the Biden White House is aware of the same Ukraine corruption and pitfalls that I have warned against, but pretended it wasn’t happening. It is more important than ever to pass the Define the Mission Act and establish accountability.”
“Maybe the White House should level with the American people about what’s really going on in Ukraine,” post Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO). “Even as they demand we keep shoveling them money with no accountability, they apparently admit in private corruption is a major issue. So which is it?”