The IMF and World Bank concerned about fighting corruption in Ukraine

The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) expressed concerns about fighting corruption in Ukraine. The World Bank and the IMF are among the largest financial donors in the 40 billion USD package provided to Ukraine to recover and reform after the 2014 crisis.
But abandoning the planned reforms postpones the IMF loan tranches of billions of dollars. In addition, the delay tests the patience of foreign allies of Ukraine, although the authorities in Kiev insist on closer integration with the EU and more foreign investment.
"We are deeply concerned about recent developments in Ukraine that could undermine progress in establishing independent institutions to tackle high-level corruption", said the director of the IMF, Christine Lagarde.
The Ukraine's creditors are particularly concerned about the latest actions by the prosecutor's office, which threaten the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Service, which was created after protests in Kiev and is in conflict with a number of other law enforcement institutions.
"We call on the Ukrainian authorities and parliament to guarantee the independence of the anti-corruption office and anti-corruption prosecution", said Lagarde.
Recently, for example, the Prosecutor General's Office disclosed an operation by the anti-corruption office for suspected abuses in the migration authorities and indicated that the office had exceeded its powers.
In a separate statement, the World Bank branch in Ukraine also raised concerns and said attacks on these institutions threatened their ability to fight corruption and recover assets. Earlier this week, the US State Department and the European Union also said that strikes against these institutions undermined international support for Ukraine.