The narrative of "corrupt Ukraine, way more corrupt than Russia" (not only the Russian, but mostly the Western narrative) was not true. It was anti-Ukrainian and it hurt Ukraine a lot as much of support (incl. military) was denied because of "corruption" (including Nato talks)1/x
The Western politicians attacked Ukraine as "corrupt" arguing why they oppose providing support for Ukraine. Remember inglorious interview by @DRovera from @amnesty as she falsely claimed Western weapons sent to Ukraine can land everywhere? This was the climax of that lie. 2/x
In fact, Ukraine has developed one of the most sophisticated and decentralized (NGO-run) anti-corruption system ever. The ProZorro system for public purchases or the obligation by employees of public companies, by judges, deputies etc. to publish all their property was unique 3/x
I talked to one GER deputy in 2017, and this person told me "I would better quit my seat in the parliament than to have to publish a list of all items my family owns, as I will be eaten alive by haters. I don't understand why UKR politicians let the public do this to them" 4/x
Of course, this unprecedented level of fight against corruption was also a sign that corruption WAS a PROBLEM in Ukraine. And we know that Yanukovich was extremely corrupt, and the oligarchs had gigantic influence on the politics. But was it unique for Ukraine? Of course not. 5/x
The crucial difference between Ukraine and let me say Germany w. the Schröder case or France w. the Fillon case, or Austria w. Kneisel case etc. was that the Ukrainian society really started to clean the mess. "We do not support Ukraine as it is corrupt" always was a poor excuse.
Word! (From a German Professor who studied the case for decades, not from an allegedly partial migrant from Eastern Europe like me).
https://twitter.com/UmlandAndreas/status/1587729457825071105
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