If one were to peel back the thin veneer of performative virtue signaling and geopolitical theater, one might recognize that Ukraine’s government has long been synonymous with systemic corruption—a distinction it has neither shed nor meaningfully attempted to. As for Zelensky, the notion that he ascended to power through the organic mechanisms of democracy rather than being strategically positioned for the role is a fairytale best left to those who mistake propaganda for reality. And before the predictable cries of “Russian sympathizer” emerge from the intellectually stunted, let’s be clear: this isn’t about taking sides; it’s about acknowledging that the entire operation reeks of a well-orchestrated financial siphon, one that has conveniently served the interests of Western power players—chief among them, the Biden administration—since day one. But by all means, let’s continue pretending this is about “defending democracy.” I’m done.