The pervasive issues with corruption in pre-war Ukraine were universally recognized, not in the last place by Ukrainian officials.

In fact, you might remember US ambassador Yovanovitch, who was a staunch supporter of Ukraine’s anti corruption efforts, but had to go when it started interfering with President Trump’s own corruption. It was a whole thing. There was an impeachment and everything.

Anyway, two things can be true at once. Ukraine is the victim of a horrific war of aggression by its much larger neighbor and deserves our unwavering support. Ukraine has a serious corruption problem that needs to be at least partially addressed before it can be integrated fully into the western systems.

It’s not a slight to Ukraine to say this. It’s a recognition that we have work to do. Together.