The Ukrainian delegation has arrived for a new round of talks with Russia, which are set to begin at 19:00, amidst a domestic crisis following the parliament’s adoption of a law subordinating anti-corruption agencies to the prosecutor’s office.
This move drew sharp criticism from Western partners: Germany, the Netherlands, and others have warned that it could hinder Ukraine's European integration and access to financial aid under the Ukraine Facility. While visa-free travel is not currently threatened, negotiation clusters for EU membership have been postponed at least until spring.
The EU stresses that the independence of NABU and the anti-corruption prosecutor is a mandatory condition for reforms and continued support. French President Macron and the head of the European Council held talks with President Zelensky calling for the law’s reconsideration.
Anti-corruption issues now dominate Ukraine’s domestic political agenda, with public criticism growing and some MPs seeking to reverse the controversial decision. At the same time, there are calls for balanced actions to preserve stability during wartime.
Ukrainian officials report that several meetings involving the Ukrainian, Russian, and Turkish sides will take place in Istanbul and Ankara, with some expected to be held without Russia. The talks are being organized amid significant information and political pressure.
The commentary underlines the importance of maintaining democratic institutions, effectively combating corruption, and preserving Ukraine’s European trajectory even under martial law.
