A Kyiv Post classic cover: SBU abuses its war powers in 2017 under Poroshenko
It's a good reminder how corrupt parts of Ukraine remained only 7 years ago, 5 years before Russia's full-scale invasion. Corruption weakened Ukraine, making it easier for Russia to invade.
Here’s Kyiv Post chief editor Brian Bonner’s summary of the Sept. 19, 2017 edition, which can be found here in PDF format.
Quite a late night with our 24-page edition. Top story: Is the State Security Service of Ukraine, the largely unreformed successor to the Soviet KGB, out of control? Critics think so, accusing the powerful and secretive law enforcement agency of harassing political opponents, human rights abuses, and personal enrichment through corruption. The SBU wouldn't talk to the Kyiv Post, branding our reporting as Russian propaganda. But it's clear only one person, if that, has much control over the SBU, and that person is President Petro Poroshenko.
But the primary focus for many at the Kyiv Post this week is Germany, which celebrates the 27th Unity Day on Oct. 3, 2017. We have covered all the angles, from business to cultural to political, including my interview with German Ambassador Ernst Reichel.
Illia Ponomarenko brings you the latest news about the big explosion and fire that destroyed one of Ukraine's biggest military ammunition depots -- and the long, sad history behind other such mishaps. There are lots of questions about whether these incidents are Russian sabotage or simply neglect and carelessness on the part of Ukraine's military.
On the lighter side, we have a complete entertainment guide, some exciting features on Ukraine's abandoned castles and where to find them, and prominent depictions of Ukraine and Ukrainians in Western TV shows, movies, and books.
That's all for now, dear readers. The entire Kyiv Post thanks you for the ongoing support as we prepare to celebrate our 22nd birthday on Oct. 18. Next week's big Business Focus: Ukraine's Energy Challenges. See you in print & online. Here's where to get your fresh copy of the Kyiv Post:
This is a strong and honest reminder of the bad old days, when Ukraine was trying to wean itself away from the corruption baked in during the old Soviet Union when corruption was endemic even in independent Ukraine. It took a revolution, a major change in leadership and, although I hate to say it, a deadly external threat to really tamp down corruption. And, of course, President Zelensky and the democrats in the legislature realized that they'd not have a chance of joining the European Union unless corruption was gotten under control. Ponomarenko continues to show important independent, honest and probing journalism can be in a republic.