A leading German parliamentarian has cautioned against overlooking corruption within Ukraine, emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining a stringent oversight approach. Following a recent visit to the country, Anton Hofreiter, Chairman of the Bundestag’s European Affairs Committee, highlighted the notable resistance demonstrated by Ukrainian civil society against attempts by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and certain parliamentarians to curtail the independence of anti-corruption agencies and investigations.
Hofreiter lauded the strength of democratic principles deeply embedded within Ukrainian society, stating that numerous individuals, including members of parliament, believe Germany should adopt a firmer stance on the issue. He stressed that the survival of Ukrainian democracy, along with broader European interests, is at stake. “Germany must be very clear and very firm on the topic of corruption” he asserted.
Turning to the possibility of deploying Western protective forces in Ukraine, Hofreiter suggested a potential shift in the current debate within Germany. He noted that, according to Ukrainian sources, any credible ceasefire agreement with Russia would require Russia to be significantly weakened. In such a scenario, he believes that the nation would be too vulnerable to launch attacks against Western protective forces. He expressed the view that the discussion surrounding this issue in Germany has been approaching it from an incorrect perspective.
