The statement of Ms. Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), regarding potential suspension of the IMF support program for Ukraine means not only a risk of losing another tranche from the International Monetary Fund, but a final loss of the credit of trust given by the international community. Patience of our international partners, as well as the Ukrainian citizens, does not last forever. We would like to note that Ukraine has reached all the fiscal and monetary indicators, but the lack of effective measures to liquidate opportunities for corruption, destroy corruptive schemes, and punish the corrupt officials poses threat to the international support of Ukraine. Under the conditions of external military aggression, the lack of this support pinpoints our weakness and raises the question of preservation of our statehood.   

We are grateful to the IMF and the international partners for supporting and helping the Ukrainians in their fight for the joint values of the free world. Corruption is now the biggest enemy of these values in our country – an enemy that is more dangerous than the external aggressor. We support and agree with the statement of Ms. Christine Lagarde who says that further financial support can be provided only if decisive, quick, and effective measures are taken to fight corruption and its causes, especially on the top level of authority. Otherwise, the international aid will simply feed the corrupt officials and strengthen their control over the country.

We believe that the compromising facts regarding the top officials – from the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of power – shall be immediately investigated under the supervision of the civil society and international community.  Should the alleged corruption crimes be proven, they should be given a proper evaluation with relevant organizational conclusions and criminal consequences. As a result of the investigation, effective measures shall be taken to prevent similar cases in the future through eliminating the corresponding ‘schemes’ and liquidating corruption-sensitive elements of public administration system.

Faithfully yours,

economic experts

of the Reanimation Package of Reforms civil platform