Corruption

It is a gaping wound in any society. Corruption. It destroys and paralyses. But it can also be used for targeted manipulation. And the question also arises as to how a society deals with it. Is it addressed or hushed up? A commentary by Rainhard Kloucek

Like a parasite, corruption infects a society. In the worst case, it completely destroys the community; in a milder form, it sows distrust and paralyses development. Ukraine is undoubtedly one of those countries where corruption exists. The country is currently fighting on several fronts to finally break free from the legacy of the Soviet Union. The latter was a thoroughly corrupt system, as can still be observed today in Moscow’s colonial empire.

However, Moscow-style corruption is barely discussed. How could it be? Putin, the tyrant of Moscow, would brutally suppress any public suspicion about it. Instead, a few people fall out of sixth-floor windows, but don’t forget to close the window first.

What distinguishes Ukraine, in contrast, is the fact that despite the brutal war Moscow is waging to destroy its neighbouring country, corruption is being tackled. And people are talking and writing about it.

Only a known problem can be fought. For Putin’s friends in the West, the latest corruption scandal in Ukraine is just grist to the mill. They loudly demand an end to support for the country. These agitators do not consider the consequences. Because a takeover of Ukraine by Moscow would by no means end corruption. On the contrary. The follow-on costs for Europe would be enormous.

There is both visible and invisible corruption. In most former Eastern Bloc countries, there is a high degree of sensitivity. Almost every case that goes beyond a private bribe to an authority is reported in the media.

Invisible, however, is the strategic corruption with which Moscow has permeated and continues to permeate parts of European society. This extends from culture to the economy, sport, and deep into politics. Just consider how many politicians were, or still are, on Russian payrolls. Moscow’s clear goal is to co-opt these people for its own interests – against the interests of Europe. However, Putin’s friends in the West have no problem with this.