The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is going to launch a new program to combat corruption in Ukraine. This is stated in the request published by the agency to obtain information from parties interested in participating in the initiative, writes RT on April 15.
“The indicative goal of this possible initiative is to provide technical support and enhance the capacity of the state and stakeholders to implement reforms in Ukraine in the field of combating corruption, digitalization and good governance,” the text of the document says.
USAID representatives asked a number of questions to potential contractors through a request. Thus, the agency asked what the key difficulties are in terms of preventing corruption in Ukraine, which Ukrainian institutions could optimally ensure the effectiveness of the fight against it, and in which areas USAID would be worth investing in to achieve significant results in combating corruption.
The agency also asked what measures can be taken to increase the level of confidence of Ukrainians in the agencies involved in the fight against corruption-related crimes, and what assistance USAID could provide to citizens and non-governmental structures in the fight against corruption.
On April 13, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba, at a meeting with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in Brussels, discussed the importance of implementing democratic reforms and fighting corruption in Ukraine.
US President Joe Biden, in his first telephone conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky on April 2, confirmed US support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He noted his administration’s commitment to “revitalizing” the strategic partnership in support of Zelenskiy’s anti-corruption plan and a reform agenda designed to “ensure justice, security and prosperity for the people of Ukraine.”
On March 10, Blinken also announced that the United States is going to increase support for Ukraine in strengthening democratic institutions and fighting corruption.
On March 5, the United States banned Ukrainian businessman Igor Kolomoisky and his family from entering the country. The decision was substantiated by the entrepreneur’s corruption crimes, which he committed in 2014-2015 as the head of the Dnipropetrovsk region. The next day, the Ukrainian leader thanked the country’s partners, including the United States, for their help in the fight against the oligarchs.