world

Russia eyes eastern Ukraine push; Kyiv cracks down on corruption

65 Comments
By SUSIE BLANN

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.


65 Comments

Comments have been disabled You can no longer respond to this thread.

"Russia is mustering its military might..."

I am still laughing. ;-))

-1 ( +14 / -15 )

What's going on in Kiev?

Kyiv is actually trying to tackle corruption, which is more than we can say for the Russian invaders.

1 ( +15 / -14 )

Hoping that the German tanks get there in time. Unleash the Leopards!

0 ( +14 / -14 )

You don't think regimes all over the world are looking at how even the IMF is predicting the Russian economy is going to fare better than those of USA, UK, France, Italy, Germany and Japan and thinking, "It's time for us to break with the US-EU financial system as well"?

It's like an infant version of Vlad is in the room with us.

Or more accurately, ordering a client Nasty terror regime

This kid is still buying the Nazi angle that Vlad told him to. How quiantly 2022 is that?

1 ( +10 / -9 )

Stay strong Ukraine!

1 ( +12 / -11 )

Oh more corruption. Not surprised at all.

Ukrainian authorities have conducted a series of anti-corruption raids across the country, uncovering stashes of cash as well as luxury watches and cars.

-5 ( +11 / -16 )

Blacklabel - I would have imagined that you would be pleased that they are going after corruption, but I guess you won't be satisfied until Ukraine is the least corrupt country in the world.

1 ( +11 / -10 )

Ukraine is the second corrupt country in Europe, behind Russia

-8 ( +8 / -16 )

Ukraine is the second corrupt country in Europe, behind Russia

Which is exactly why Ukraine wants nothing to do with Russia and everything to do with Europe. Being part of Russia guarantees corruption & poverty, Europe guarantees prosperity and stability.

Nobody chooses to be part of Russia unless they have guns pointed at them.

0 ( +10 / -10 )

but I guess you won't be satisfied until Ukraine is the least corrupt country in the world.

Correct. Why would I accept your corruption when I am funding you?

how do you have your own billionaire friends evading taxes while you take mine?

cant Ukraine billionaires pay for this proxy war?

On Wednesday, the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) said that it had found hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, as well as luxury watches and cars, at the tax chief’s residence.

-7 ( +9 / -16 )

Got it, Blacklabel. I know that corruption is one of the many reasons why you don't support Ukraine, and I know it won't happen overnight, but as progress is being made, I hope you can see that we are serious about tackling it.

3 ( +10 / -7 )

they*

2 ( +6 / -4 )

BL - I definitely agree with you that billionaires need to pay their fair share.

6 ( +10 / -4 )

Oh more corruption. Not surprised at all.

As you shouldn't be; Zelensky campaigned on eliminating corruption, and he's draining his swamp. This was entirely expected, and there is no reason you should be surprised.

4 ( +12 / -8 )

Foreign countries who are taking my countries taxpayer money should be using the money of their own billionaires first.

not letting them buy luxury items and homes and have piles of our taxpayer cash.

American taxpayers should follow the law as written.

-12 ( +4 / -16 )

Ukraine is corrupt. Again. Article says so. This is the 2nd report now.

That is the focus here along with Ukraine getting pushed back again. By an army with no socks.

-12 ( +6 / -18 )

Strangerland..........

Zelensky campaigned on eliminating corruption, and he's draining his swamp.

Really? Look up Zelensky/ Panama papers.

Then ask yourself How did a minor TV actor become the richest comedian in the world?

Where did his wealth come from? Not from his acting, not from his politicians salary.....

Hmmm I wonder.

Zelensky is part of the swamp.

-6 ( +9 / -15 )

Ukraine is corrupt. Again. Article says so. This is the 2nd report now.

I presume you read both then.

2nd report of immediate action to tackle corruption. Maybe he’s really draining the swamp instead of just talking about it.

Surely you agree that doing something about corruption is better than doing nothing about it.

5 ( +10 / -5 )

Surely you agree that doing something about corruption is better than doing nothing about it.

Not when we were told over and over there Is no corruption when we knew there was. That’s just vindication of our original point.

are they really “doing” something or is it just an act to keep the money flowing?

-11 ( +4 / -15 )

Not when we were told over and over there Is no corruption when we knew there was. That’s just vindication of our original point.

No it isn’t. It just proves you could read or listen more effectively.

are they really “doing” something or is it just an act to keep the money flowing?

Why is it that? Could it be? They say that…but who really knows…

With this line of ‘reasoning’ you’re really never going to get anywhere.

4 ( +9 / -5 )

diversify the energy supplies of a region that until recently was almost fully dependent on natural gas deliveries from Russia.

Long, long passed time for all nations to diversify energy supplies to reduce the likelihood of Russia/Iran or any other nation or major corporation having the ability to weaponize energy, while continuing to pollute the planet.

8 ( +11 / -3 )

Then ask yourself How did a minor TV actor become the richest comedian in the world?

Ask yourself if that wisely circulated tweet was true. Because there has been zero evidence to support it.

Richest comedian in the world is Jerry Seinfeld, in case you were wondering.

6 ( +10 / -4 )

A cold day in hell Mr Kipling and me agree on Zelensky corruption

-11 ( +5 / -16 )

Then ask yourself How did a minor TV actor become the richest comedian in the world?

Ohh, very interesting conspiracy, upon which you have a theory. How salacious! Open-ended questions are always so titillating!

6 ( +10 / -4 )

Blacklabel - what news sources were saying that there was no corruption in Ukraine? Please let me know and I will write a letter to their editor!

6 ( +9 / -3 )

Not when we were told over and over there Is no corruption when we knew there was

This keeps coming up.

Who said there was no corruption in Ukraine? As it was repeated ‘over and over’ you should be able to give us a few links without any problem.

I honestly missed it.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

Who said there was no corruption in Ukraine? As it was repeated ‘over and over’ you should be able to give us a few links without any problem.

Whenever called on that, he retreats with no answer. I think he's afraid to show us where he gets his "news".

10 ( +13 / -3 )

Russia moving forward and the Ukrainian regime plunged into corruption..

Not even the tanks could save them..

-7 ( +7 / -14 )

Whenever called on that, he retreats with no answer. I think he's afraid to show us where he gets his "news".

Ny Times. Washington Post. Usual suspects to push the narrative. Plus almost all of you posters here. Plus this site that censored as “offensive/vulgar” when it was mentioned Ukraine is corrupt.

you already dont rememberrage posting at me cause you claimed the World corruption index was “wrong” and “outdated”? Most of you were quite angry about it.

now it’s “nobody ever said….”

-7 ( +8 / -15 )

Ukraine is the second corrupt country in Europe, behind Russia

Trying to rank corruption across countries is nearly impossible since a corrupt practice in one country could be perfectly legal in another. This is why most corruption rankings are based on people's subjective perception of petty corruption rather than trying to define and measure actual high-level corruption.

For example, pulling strings to get your child into a university would be considered deeply corrupt in most countries, but "legacy admissions" are considered entirely above board in others. A country which normalises corrupt practices will appear less corrupt on these surveys.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

Whenever called on that, he retreats with no answer. I think he's afraid to show us where he gets his "news".

Ny Times. Washington Post

Articles, please.

Who said there was no corruption in Ukraine?

I don’t think I’m being pedantic here.

The time it took to write your post was time enough to find evidence for your claim which was repeated ‘over and over’.

I’m assuming it was repeated by more than one person. Is this correct?

4 ( +10 / -6 )

This thorough anti-corruption campaign is probably instigated by the Biden administration, with the help of American intelligence agencies.

Biden realizes that future support for Ukraine requires them to do this. It’s another clear win for Biden.

If the other guy was still in office he’d just ask for his cut.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

Russia moving forward and the Ukrainian regime plunged into corruption..

Spam. Nothing useful here.

4 ( +9 / -5 )

Blacklabel - thank you for pointing us to your sources. I am not able to locate any Wapo or NYT articles saying that there was no corruption in Ukraine. I can find previous articles that mentioned that there was indeed corruption in Ukraine and also the recent article below. Do you have concrete articles that we can refer to and read? Otherwise, it's going to be difficult for us to discuss this particular claim.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/ukraineswave-of-graft-scandals-is-a-healthy-sign/2023/01/25/0dbcecac-9c70-11ed-93e0-38551e88239c_story.html

3 ( +7 / -4 )

One year since Putin's invasion and war claiming he would take control quickly. 180,000 dead Russian soldiers and he's in control of very little. Discriminating missile strikes against civilians, hospitals, and schools. Attacks against the power grid.

But unlike his predecessor, Zelensky never was a billionaire. He's currently worth roughly $20 million, based on reporting by Forbes Ukraine.

https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2022/jul/21/facebook-posts/theres-no-evidence-ukraines-president-has-net-wort/

3 ( +8 / -5 )

M3,when begging everyday,for funds that crooked Ukrainain have stole too enrich yourself,it matter,it a food service worker in Chicago stole 1.5 million dollars in chicken wings intended for children,it no different

-7 ( +5 / -12 )

Blacklabel - thank you for pointing us to your sources. I am not able to locate any Wapo or NYT articles saying that there was no corruption in Ukraine

I think what’s going on here is repeating what somebody else said about claims there was no corruption in Ukraine.

It looks like the most likely explanation.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

Self Destruct.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Bronco - this conspiracy is possibly bigger than we can ever imagine! I was doing my own research and it has come to light that WaPo and NYT have deleted all traces of their articles previously stating that Ukraine, unique among nations, had no corruption. Good thing smart guys like you and me are on the case!

5 ( +9 / -4 )

Good news they are seeking to expunge the sick culture of corruption left over from the previous imperial/soviet russian occupation.

Poo tin is willing to expend as many russian lives as it takes in human waves to get what he wants, it has taken eight months to advance approximately 22 kilometres towards Bakhmut at the cost of tens of thousand of russian lives, how many hundreds of thousands more will he throw away before he is finished?

0 ( +5 / -5 )

@bronco Fighting corruption by arresting people is one thing.

The Russian Federation way seems to be keeping corruption ignored by the masseshaving those that might be able to expose corruption falling from tall buildings or dying mysteriously, and also ignored by having a state run media. The ex-Stasi, KGB-agent has learned a lot about eliminating threats to his power and wealth.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

PT, Russian are asking other countries for money

-13 ( +0 / -13 )

Even if corruption is pervasive in Ukraine they are still fortunate that it only rises to the level of deputies. The heads of ministries and other top government officials are not corrupt

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

Who said there was no corruption in Ukraine? As it was repeated ‘over and over’ you should be able to give us a few links without any problem.

Ny Times. Washington Post. Usual suspects to push the narrative.

No, none of those. I just looked, couldn't find a single reference either of those sites. I'm thinking you maybe have reading comprehension issues, it would explain why you're always so angry about things that haven't happened.

Plus almost all of you posters here.

Oh dear.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

So fortunately this purge is unlikely to change the basic makeup of the current govt, as mention in the conversation

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

Really? Look up Zelensky/ Panama papers.

Panama papers released 2016

Zelenskyy elected in 2019.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

Systemic corruption is a Russian legacy that the Ukrainians have been trying to root out for some time. Racism/fascism is also something they have been dealing with, rather than pretending it doesn't exist like their Russian overlords. They try to build a better future while Russia can't accept this and attempts to bomb the Ukrainian population into submission.

4 ( +9 / -5 )

so that was an effective way to get everyone to admit Ukraine is, and always has been, corrupt from the very beginning.

Which countries on the planet have zero corruption? Of course Ukraine had corruption - every country does. Only a binary thinker considers it in terms of existing or not existing. Reality is all about nuances.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

"I cant find ANY evidence ANYWHERE that says Ukraine is not corrupt"- is not the win you think it is.

But you were the one that said people were promising Ukraine was not corrupt. Then when pointed out that no one ever claimed that, and looking into your sources, it turns out we were right, no one ever said that.

So we're back to you either repeating far-right extremist fake-news, that you were promised Ukraine wasn't corrupt, or you were making it up. I assume you were just fooled by fake news, and weren't doing it nefariously.

6 ( +9 / -3 )

Hopefully the Russians will get their asses kicked and run for their lives back to Moscow.

2 ( +8 / -6 )

But you were the one that said people were promising Ukraine was not corrupt. Then when pointed out that no one ever claimed that, and looking into your sources, it turns out we were right, no one ever said that.

Which are exactly the 2 things what I wanted to prove to you, and you proved it yourself so can’t argue about it.

You all knew Ukraine was corrupt the whole time and none of you have ever claimed it wasn’t. Thanks!

-8 ( +3 / -11 )

You know who they are

I don’t know and Ukraine related people with these names, sorry bout that.

You need to be more clear and describe who they are and what corrupt things they have done in Ukraine.

-7 ( +3 / -10 )

There is an EU-Ukraine conference happening in Kyiv and corruption is on the table among other import businesses.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

What the heck is your point

that all the "Ukraine is not corrupt (how dare you!), we can safely give them all our money and all our weapons, they wont end up in other places and the money wont be stolen" people have now totally flip flopped.

-8 ( +2 / -10 )

that all the "Ukraine is not corrupt (how dare you!), we can safely give them all our money and all our weapons, they wont end up in other places and the money wont be stolen" people have now totally flip flopped.

Ok makes sense and there should absolutely be checks and balances.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

Blacklabel

What the heck is your point

*that all the "Ukraine is not corrupt (how dare you!), we can safely give them all our money and all our weapons, they wont end up in other places and the money wont be stolen" people have now totally flip flopped.*

No we haven't. Acknowledging that Ukraine is corrupt (we can all read the TI), and worrying about giving them weapons are two different things.

Nobody is worried that these tanks will end up on the weapons-smuggling equivalent of eBay, because the Ukrainians are fighting for their lives. Having said that, the US has had a weapons monitoring program in Ukraine since 2014 and this has been beefed up by Biden's counter-smuggling plan.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

The very idea that because there is some level of corruption, which is being cleaned up, the West should stop giving assistance to Ukraine in defending its existence is laughable.

Imagine a situation in which an Essex-class fleet carrier came in $10 over budget (this was a lot of money back in the day) and it was due to war profiteers.

Would the US have said “Welp, that’s enough of that. I guess we won’t be securing the US-Australian supply lines.

Or if the Atomic bomb had graft and thus “That’s it! The American taxpayer won’t stand for this! Commence the invasion of Kyushu!”

It’s just farcical.

Of course corruption should be fought (is BEING fought) and lessened.

But only a zealot or a moron would think that there will be none and in the absence of zero, we should cut off funding.

Oh, look who’s making just that claim?

4 ( +7 / -3 )

how so? would you support just giving corrupt countries offensive military weapons and cash in unlimited amounts?

If that same logic was applied to the USA? how many public officials would be able to keep their jobs, how many defense industry contracts would be ripped up? but that is different isn't it?

9 ( +10 / -1 )

Dessert made this point yesterday and I wish I could upvote it 10 a day every day:

The whining about perceived or actual corruption has nothing to do with clean government or tax dollars and everything to do with being in the thrall of a fascist dictatorship. It wants Putin to win because it is fundamentally inclined towards authoritarianism.

It’s that simple and that obvious.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

and don't get me started on the corporate bailouts during the financial meltdown of 2007.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

that all the "Ukraine is not corrupt (how dare you!), we can safely give them all our money and all our weapons, they wont end up in other places and the money wont be stolen" people have now totally flip flopped.

Lol I don't think I've ever seen a person say there isn't corruption in Ukraine. I think this is just the new made up reason to oppose assistance for Ukraine, when we know the real reason is that rightists like authoritarianism, and they think it's totally okay to force your will upon others as long as you have the power to do so.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites