29 Jul 2025, 16:44
Zelensky Responds to the Independence of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Ukraine
- Protests in Ukraine were sparked by attempts to limit the independence of anti-corruption agencies.
- Zelensky submitted a new draft law to restore the independence of the NABU and SAP.
- The EU threatens to suspend funding to Ukraine if the independence of anti-corruption bodies is not restored.
This is reported by Ukrayinska Pravda, Ukrayinska Pravda.
Kyiv, Ukraine – On July 22, 2025, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a law that limits the autonomy of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP). This step triggered mass protests in several cities of Ukraine, including Kyiv, Odesa, and Lviv, where people demanded the preservation of the independence of anti-corruption institutions.
In response to public pressure, President Volodymyr Zelensky on July 24 submitted a new draft law aimed at restoring the independence of NABU and SAP. This draft law stipulates that employees of these agencies must undergo polygraph testing at least once every two years.
The European Union also expressed concern regarding new legislative initiatives. EU officials warned that if the Ukrainian parliament does not restore the independence of anti-corruption structures, financial support for Ukraine may be suspended. On July 31, voting will take place regarding the new draft law, and if the parliament does not adopt the law, serious consequences for international assistance may arise.
Zelensky, who came to power amid anti-corruption sentiments, asserts that new measures are necessary to combat corruption, but critics believe that this may undermine the foundations of democratic reforms in Ukraine.
Tags: Ukraine/Politics