The truth pokes through the sack and demands action.
The most foolish act of the authorities would be an attack on NABU and SAP. They brought in Khrystenko’s “Riga” and are holding it as an option to manipulate his testimony.
But the reaction of Europe and the heightened state of the people – “the code of decent accommodation” provoked large protest rallies – have thus far restrained foolish actions. Because foolishness would trigger a cascade effect that the authorities have so far sought to avoid.
So they will act differently. The highest – will remain silent, the spokespersons – will distract, and the media staff – will mock, hate, and devalue.
So that people are left to complain in private conversations and social networks, releasing steam and capturing their own “it’s not so straightforward” or “they’re all the same”. Various thought forms of such content are already scattered across networks and are actively being promoted.
What’s the cost of this? A missed chance to improve governance quality during the war. And this is paid with blood.
Because corruption – is not just a crime against justice. It also undermines efficiency, and in war – viability. Because by choosing not the best, but the corruption-beneficial decision, we end up with less, costlier, and worse results. Fewer enemies destroyed, fewer lives saved, higher prices in every sense, and a worse situation.
This is a simple story. Everyone loves simple stories, right?
Respected analytical journalists and experts at this point begin to urge Zelensky to think and reconsider. The wisest among them answer themselves: he won’t reconsider. Because he does not believe it’s time to be afraid.
But in vain. Because the reaction of partners is familiar and comfortable for them – to punish not the culprits, but the whole country. And this means – even less money, weapons, and hence chances. In the worst scenario, escape may not be possible. But in the end, why do we need the worst-case scenario?
And people’s reactions are also unpredictable. Marketing models, which worked well for the current rulers during their rise to power and for the development of things like “millions of e-grandmothers” or “powerful unbreakables”. But they are powerless against a surge of aggression from people who see no way out. It’s better not to lead to this, because people will not listen to anyone.
What to do?
Reach out. The choice between scenarios is really in the hands of a narrow circle of people around Zelensky. And they are guided by their sense of safety and comfort, people’s attitudes (in general) and the moods of their “servants” (specifically).
Until there is an understanding among the “servants” and leadership that “something needs to be done”, the situation will not improve for the better.
The important role of anti-corruption agencies – is to not stop. They too have no way back now.
The important role of partners, on whom our survival depends.
The important role of the opposition in parliament – to show that solutions have better alternatives.
But it is very important for society to make itself heard. To demand a resolution to the root of the problem – the method of governance.
The unity government was not invented for nothing. It is a format where everyone is responsible, meaning they monitor each other, making corruption and wastefulness unprofitable. This is the most effective motivation.
This is needed not for Poroshenko, not for the experts calling for it, and not even for the partners. We need this to survive and not pay an excessive price.
Explain this to the “servants”.
