US investigates embezzlement of military aid in Ukraine. What the media say
Manufacturers of mine shells in Ukraine have been accused of corruption due to a high defect rate. The USA also suspects Ukrainian officials of wasting military aid. Kiev wants to bring home refugees from Europe, suggesting that its allies stop providing them with aid. What the world media write about the situation in Ukraine - in the Izvestia digest.
Kyiv Post: Republicans in the USA will initiate an investigation into wasted aid in Ukraine
As soon as the Republicans enter the White House and take control of the Senate, Ukraine will be "held accountable" in cases of US aid spending. There will also be hearings on corruption scandals. Former Trump adviser Stephen Moore said Republicans want to make sure all the money is spent for the necessary purposes.
Kyiv Post
"Expect a lot of hearings where detailed questions will be asked about whether U.S. aid to Ukraine was used appropriately," Trump said. - Moore said. - If the Ukrainians can't answer those questions, Republicans won't be very lenient."
Washington insiders say congressional leaders are interested not only in accountability, but also in finding out the nature of the alleged corruption in Ukraine. Arthur Estopinian, one of the Washington lobbyists working with Ukrainian businessmen, said some congressmen were "shocked" that "businessmen are being extorted by high-ranking Ukrainian officials."
The Washington Post: Ukraine mine producers accused of corruption
Ukrainian anti-corruption activists are calling for an investigation into leading defense institutions on suspicion of treason for failing to fire or misfiring tens of thousands of mortar shells. Such allegations are a potential obstacle to aid from Kiev's allies.
The Washington Post
Ukrainian media reported last month that a significant portion of the 120-millimeter mortar rounds and a smaller number of 82-millimeter shells that recently arrived on the front line were malfunctioning. These two types of mortar rounds are key to Ukraine's defense <...>. According to local media, soldiers from one of the units said that only one 120-millimeter shell out of every 10 exploded successfully.
The accusations came at a difficult time for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (his term ended on May 20). Ukrainian troops are short on equipment and personnel as they try to contain the Russian offensive along numerous points on the front line. Allegations of corruption are also a key talking point among Republican politicians in the US, who oppose providing further military support to Ukraine.
The Economist: Ukraine is reviving its missile industry
Ukraine is trying to revive its rocket industry, hoping to make up for a shortage of foreign supplies. Production has moved underground to secure or hidden bunkers. These are unremarkable places like parking garages. One of them produces engines for the Trembita missile, whose basic range is 200 kilometers.
The Economist
Long-range drones once helped Ukraine regain its equilibrium, but now they are shot down nine out of ten times. In late November, Volodymyr Zelensky announced a shift to more difficult-to-intercept missiles, setting a goal of producing 3,000 [pieces] by the end of 2025.
Details of Ukraine's missile program are closely guarded. At the same time, manufacturers face financial challenges. Once a missile is developed, it needs to be scaled up to industrial production, which requires capital and equipment from abroad. Ukraine hopes to attract investors with low production costs compared to Western Europe.
El Pais: Ukraine wants EU to stop helping refugees
Ukraine is seeking the return of 10 million refugees and migrants who fled the country. A ministry of national unity is being set up to do this, hoping to attract residents from abroad and alleviate the demographic crisis to tackle the country's reconstruction. As part of the plan to return compatriots, Ukraine wants EU countries to cut off aid to refugees and men of conscription age to be denied access to consular services to force citizens to return home.
El Pais
Ukrainians abroad interviewed by the publication said they would like to return but are not going yet. They want security and guarantees that the <armed conflict> will not be repeated, stability in education and medicine, and electricity without restrictions
A November UN survey found that 61% of Ukrainian refugees still hope to return when the situation improves. The Ukrainian government, in a demographic strategy adopted in September, states that between 1.3 million and 3.3 million people may not return. The figure could rise with each passing year.
The Washington Post: Zelensky moves slowly toward Ukraine talks
Zelensky has shown a greater willingness in recent weeks to negotiate an end to the conflict. It's a major shift for the Ukrainian leader, who has long vowed to fight for every inch of land. Zelensky's change in rhetoric - something Ukrainian and Western officials have noticed - can be attributed to the deteriorating situation on the front lines and the rise to power in the United States of Donald Trump, who has cast doubt on future security assistance to Kiev.
The Washington Post
In recent meetings with Trump and European leaders, Zelensky has focused more on what he called a lasting peace for Ukraine. A top priority is getting an invitation to the NATO military alliance and other security guarantees, such as the possible presence of Western peacekeepers to prevent future Russian attacks.
Some officials speculate that Zelensky is risk-averse and hopes his more malleable stance will endear him to the next U.S. president, Donald Trump, and allow him to provide more support for Ukraine's defense. Kiev's European allies also face a changing reality and are trying to influence the outcome. They are seeking to increase support for Ukraine, worrying that Trump's return could mean a reduction in U.S. funding and that Kiev's negotiating position is now too weak.
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