In a conversation with Radio UA Chicago, renowned journalist and writer Ostap Drozdov shared his perspective on modern Ukrainian politics and corruption, particularly in parliament. Drozdov stated that corruption in Ukraine is not an exception but a permanent, unchanged system created during the Kuchma and Lazarenko eras, which still operates today. He drew special attention to the case involving Yulia Tymoshenko, calling her a symbol of this "unified system" and a veteran of Ukraine's oligarchic politics.
Drozdov emphasized that, alongside experienced politicians, younger parliamentarians are also involved in corruption, indicating widespread penetration of corrupt practices within the political class. He argued that the primary motivation for entering Ukrainian politics is personal profit, not public service. According to him, Ukrainian political history does not feature cases where politicians left public office without personal enrichment.
He described today's political landscape as two parallel realities: on one side are ordinary people surviving amid war, loss of basic services, and infrastructure collapse; on the other, politicians who continue to manage and grow their wealth, even in wartime.
Discussing new government appointments and cabinet reshuffles, Drozdov remarked that so-called "new" ministers are actually familiar faces who have held various offices for years. Changes in power, he said, are largely cosmetic and do not result in meaningful renewal or reform.
Drozdov also addressed the energy crisis and the possible evacuation of Kyiv, noting that even significant investment in the energy sector does not guarantee safety from Russian attacks. He stressed that despite leadership promises and strategies, Ukraine's major cities remain on the verge of an energy collapse.
In conclusion, Drozdov called on society to critically evaluate the actions of authorities and recognize the real state of affairs in the country, avoiding unnecessary pathos and empty promises.
