Diane Francis’ new issue brief, “Stolen Future,” exposes the depth and breadth of the economic devastation a corruption fueled oligarchy has wrought in Ukraine. In the wake of the Euromaidan Revolution, Ukraine has the opportunity to break the cycle of wealth appropriation which has plagued both Russia and Ukraine since the collapse of the Soviet Union. However, due to the lingering influence of oligarchy, reforms have been slow coming in some sectors, and as Francis states, “the tide will only turn in favor of Ukraine if its oligarchy is brought to its knees, hopefully without further violence.”
This brief offers insight into the scope and nature of corruption in Ukraine. Understanding the networks of individuals who have used that state, and its sovereign resources, to enrich themselves is critical to developing a strategy to recoup Ukraine’s assets and help it reclaim its stolen future.