Why Would Vice President Biden Care About a Corrupted DA for Ukraine?
There was a time when the question seemed outlandish: Why would Vice President Biden care about a corrupted District Attorney (DA) in Ukraine? However, the intricate web of geopolitical relationships and the desire to combat corruption in Ukraine necessitated such concerns. This article delves into the context surrounding Vice President Biden's involvement in removing Viktor Shokin, the controversial Prosecutor General of Ukraine, and challenges the allegations made by some about Biden's alleged corruption.
Context and Background
At the time, Ukraine was grappling with years of corrupt governance and dependency on Russia, despite becoming independent after the breakup of the Soviet Union. The Ukrainian Revolution of 2014 marked a significant shift, with the ousting of an interim government supported by Russia. The new Ukrainian government sought support from Western nations, particularly the United States, to address corruption and foster economic recovery.
Vice President Biden's Role
Vice President Joe Biden, representing the United States, played a crucial role in the diplomatic efforts to aid Ukraine. The message from the US, the European Union (EU), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was clear: Ukraine needed to clean house and remove the corrupt elements in its government. Shokin, the Prosecutor General, was a key figure in this narrative. His failure to investigate corruption and his refusal to prosecute high-ranking officials made him a target for removal.
The Case Against Viktor Shokin
Viktor Mykolayovych Shokin, who served as the Prosecutor General of Ukraine from 2015 to 2016, was a politically unpopular figure. He had a long history of prolonging investigations and refusing to take action against corrupt officials. For instance, he had refused to prosecute military commanders involved in the shooting of demonstrators during the Ukrainian Revolution of 2014. Additionally, he claimed that evidence against his predecessor Viktor Pshonka was misplaced, leading to widespread skepticism about his integrity.
As Ukraine negotiated with the IMF, EU, and the US for vital aid, it became clear that the corruption within the country needed to be addressed. The official stance of these international institutions was that any support would be contingent on the dismissal of Shokin. The urgency of this action cannot be overstated, as the international community was keen on ensuring that Ukraine became a more transparent and accountable nation.
Vice President Biden's Diplomatic Mission
In March 2016, Ukrainian Parliament cast a decisive vote to remove Shokin from office. This action was a direct result of the diplomatic efforts led by Vice President Biden, working closely with Obama and other international partners. The goal was clear: to create a clean slate for Ukraine, free from the influence of corrupt officials.
Misconceptions and Allegations
It is crucial to dispel the misconceptions and allegations surrounding Vice President Biden's involvement in this matter. In 2019, Viktor Shokin claimed that Biden had pressured Ukraine to remove him due to an investigation into Burisma, where Hunter Biden was involved. However, this claim was immediately dismissed as Shokin had intentionally delayed the investigation, and the true target was the oligarchs associated with Burisma and their corrupt activities.
Furthermore, the narrative spun by supporters of former President Trump misrepresented the situation. By citing Viktor Shokin's claims, they tried to discredit Biden's character. Yet, the evidence clearly shows that Shokin was a friend to the corrupt oligarchs and had failed in his duties as Prosecutor General.
Conclusion
The involvement of Vice President Biden in removing Viktor Shokin was part of a broader strategy to combat corruption in Ukraine and ensure that the country received the necessary support from the international community. The allegations made by some to suggest otherwise are unfounded and ignore the important role played by US diplomatic efforts in fostering transparency and accountability in Ukraine.
Understanding the context and the motivations behind these actions is crucial in evaluating the integrity of political figures and the impact of their decisions on global politics.