On July 22, Ukraine's Parliament (Verkhovna Rada) passed, by a majority of 263 votes, the second reading of draft law No.1214 introducing changes to the Criminal Procedure Code regarding the investigation of criminal offences during martial law, specifically cases of missing persons. A key amendment makes the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) dependent on the Prosecutor General, effectively removing their independence.
During the law's adoption, the heads of NABU and SAPO called on President Volodymyr Zelensky to veto the act. However, MPs reported that the president had already signed it. The G7 countries, the European Union, and civil society organizations expressed concern, stressing the importance of keeping anti-corruption institutions independent for Ukraine’s continued international support.
On the day of the vote, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) published a video accusing high-ranking NABU officials of collaborating with Russia; earlier, NABU detectives underwent searches allegedly without a court order. The incident coincides with the adoption of the law, which has triggered protests and political discussion.
The law was supported mainly by the factions “Servant of the People,” former OPZZh, “Batkivshchyna,” “European Solidarity,” “For the Future,” and non-affiliated MPs. Yulia Tymoshenko’s speech supporting the law and urging an end to foreign influence was met with applause. She argued that real anti-corruption reform requires an overhaul of the entire law enforcement and judicial sector.
International partners have called on Ukraine’s president to veto the law. Amid continuing war and the need for external financial aid, the law could complicate relations with the EU, US, and other donors. The government has meanwhile stated the need to raise $120 billion for Ukraine's military needs in 2026, with half expected from international partners.
The issue is sparking debate about the effectiveness of Ukraine’s anti-corruption framework and the influence of domestic politics on reforms. Civil society groups are planning protests in major Ukrainian cities.
