"We communicate openly with our partners. Corruption exists in all countries. The key issue is how the authorities today are combating this corruption. If someone (by the way, this is also acknowledged by civil society) holds it against us that we cannot (or cannot at this time) receive an invitation to NATO due to the level of corruption in Ukraine – that is just seeking excuses not to proceed. I am not saying that this is the case or that we hear this. I am saying 'if,'” said the head of the Office of the President.
He cited one argument to support his claim, stating that some media outlets exaggerate the state of corruption in Ukraine.
"I am absolutely confident: a country, as it is portrayed today primarily by Russian propaganda (and, unfortunately, sometimes picked up by foreign media and, regrettably, in Ukraine as well), could not have been at war for three years, be where we are today, hold our positions, and truly be a leader, the main fighter for freedom and democracy in the world. That is impossible. Is there a problem? Yes. Are we fighting this problem? Yes. But, excuse me, this problem did not emerge in 2019 [when Volodymyr Zelensky became president]; this issue has existed for many years," explained Yermak.
According to him, the results of the fight against corruption in Ukraine are "clear" and absolute.
"I believe that we have, first and foremost, an incorruptible president, and he is the leader of this fight," stated Yermak.