After several days of protests in Ukrainian cities and concerned reactions from Western politicians, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced plans to submit a bill to the Verkhovna Rada to guarantee the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), as well as to protect them from Russian influence.
Earlier, the Verkhovna Rada had passed legislative changes that effectively threatened the independence of these institutions, sparking protests and concern among Ukraine’s partners. Several possible reasons for these changes are being discussed: from misjudgment of consequences to a deliberate attempt to strengthen control over anti-corruption agencies or protect certain individuals from investigation.
Beyond affecting NABU and SAPO independence, the law expands powers of the Prosecutor General’s Office and law enforcement agencies, including allowing entry into homes without court sanction, in contradiction to Ukraine’s constitution. This raises concerns about the balance between state security and citizens’ rights.
President Zelensky may now propose amendments to restore the independence of anti-corruption bodies, as expected by Ukrainian society and international partners. Meanwhile, other controversial provisions remain in effect and their real impact will only become clear in practice.
