Ukraine is a country of incredible opportunities. Here, anyone can become anything: from an honest taxpayer to... a millionaire in the civil service. And all this thanks to a unique ecosystem, popularly called "kleptocracy."
Where did it all start?
When the Soviet Union collapsed, Ukraine received not only independence, but also a huge inheritance: factories, land, a gas transportation system. And what to do with all this? That's right, privatize! But not just like that, but according to the scheme "everything for their own, reforms for the rest."
In the 90s, oligarchs began to grow like mushrooms after the rain. They bought up strategic enterprises for pennies, and used the state as a pocketbook. Interestingly, most of them are still among the "cream of society". They learned to keep a balance: steal a little, invest a little, and always be closer to the government.
Mezhyhirya as a symbol
Do you remember Viktor Yanukovych's residence? It's not just a luxurious palace, but a real museum of Ukrainian kleptocracy. A crystal chandelier worth millions, a golden loaf, and ducks on a special ration - this is what "life in a new way" looks like in the style of the then officials.
But Yanukovych is just one example. His "colleagues" worked much more subtly. For example, through state tenders or "their people" at customs. Or the good old way: taking bribes so that "everything was quiet."
Where is the money?
Ukrainian kleptocrats adore offshores. Panama, the British Virgin Islands, Cyprus are real "safes" of our political elites. While ordinary people pay for utilities, "servants of the people" buy yachts and apartments on the Cote d'Azur.
One of the favorite schemes is "big construction." Someone is really building roads, and someone is building new estates in Koncha-Zaspa. And the most interesting thing: each new government promises that "thieves will be held accountable before the law." But, as practice shows, only those who did not share have to answer for something.
What's next?
Ukrainians are an amazing people. They know that the state is working against them, but they continue to work, pay taxes, and fight for freedom. And the officials? They change, but the system remains the same.
Can kleptocracy be overcome? Perhaps. But to do so, we need to change not only the people in power, but also the very culture of "nepotism" and "kickbacks."
And yet, we live in a country where every new official sincerely believes: "Well, I'm stealing for the people!" And only the people no longer believe them.
