Zelensky stands firm on controversial anti-corruption law overhaul
Ukraine’s new law merges anti‑corruption bodies with the prosecutor general
Volodymyr Zelensky defended the removal of the independence of the National Anti‑Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti‑Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).
The legislation hands the agencies directly to the prosecutor general, a role appointed by the president.
Government says the change boosts efficiency
- Presidential statement: a “strong enough law enforcement system” will safeguard justice.
- Pro‑government claim: the new law will streamline anti‑corruption investigations.
Critics warn the reform centralises power
- Anti‑Corruption Action Center: the agencies will become “meaningless” as the prosecutor general will “stop investigations into all of the president’s friends.”
- European Union: called the decision a “serious step back.”
Public protests erupt in Kyiv
In a first major protest since Russia’s invasion, over 1,000 people gathered in the capital on the same day the bill passed parliament.
Large gatherings are barred under Ukraine’s martial law.
Background of NABU
NABU began operations in 2015 amid Kyiv’s push to align with Europe following the 2014 pro‑European revolution.
Since its inception, the bureau has uncovered widespread graft, including among figures in Zelensky’s own administration.
Recent investigations raise concerns
On Monday, law enforcement conducted saturation raids on NABU, detaining one employee suspected of spying for Russia.
Transparency International’s Ukraine office described the raids as an “attempt by the authorities to undermine the independence of Ukraine’s post‑Revolution of Dignity anti‑corruption institutions.”
Corruption perception index
In 2024, Ukraine ranked 105th out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s “corruption perceptions index,” up from 144 in 2013.
Political crisis could undermine unity
Supporters of the law warn that a political crisis over the legislation could work in Russia’s favour by undermining unity in the country.
Kremlin spokesperson comments
Commenting on the protests, Dmitry Peskov said the country is “full of corruption” and that the issue is a “sensitive topic” for Ukraine.
