Poroshenko dismisses corruption criticism as part of “hybrid war”

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko dismissed a New York Times editorial published on April 2 – criticizing Poroshenko for his acceptance of corruption –as part of Russia’s “hybrid war.” “I am aware of this article,” he told an April 2 press conference. “I would like to clearly comment on this. Currently, a hybrid war is being conducted against Ukraine, including the mechanism of spreading information that discredits the Ukrainian state.” After a burst of criticism, Poroshenko issued a statement the same day claiming his remarks were misinterpreted.

The New York Times editorial identified the last Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin, dismissed by parliament on March 29, as a symbol of the nation’s deeply ingrained culture of corruption. His replacement, Yuriy Sevruk, is “a crony who can be trusted to continue Mr. Shokin’s practices,” the editorial stated, adding, “In these circumstances, Mr. Poroshenko seems to have accepted continuing corruption as the price to pay for a modicum of maneuvering room.”

The editorial called for Poroshenko to reinstate dismissed Deputy Prosecutor General David Sakvarelidze and to hold a public discussion to determine the next prosecutor general.

Zenon Zawada: Poroshenko dug himself deeper in discrediting himself before the world with his “hybrid war” comment. He’s been accused by his opponents of using the war in Donbas as a cover for the alleged corruption at the top of government and that comment merely buttresses their suspicions.

Unfortunately, we have Western leaders, and now newspapers, feeling the need to interfere in Ukraine’s domestic politics and pressure Poroshenko to appoint an honest prosecutor general. The Ukrainian president will be heading down the path of political suicide if he tries to resist, we expect.