A newly passed law in Ukraine that curtails the independence of two leading anti-corruption agencies has triggered widespread protests and strong international backlash. Demonstrations have erupted across the country, with critics accusing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of undermining democratic reforms crucial to Ukraine’s path toward European Union membership.
The law, signed by Zelenskyy on July 22, places the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) under the control of the Prosecutor General—a position appointed by the president. The move has raised alarms both domestically and abroad.
On July 23, leaders from NABU and SAPO met with Zelenskyy to demand the law’s repeal. In a joint statement, the agencies warned that the new law strips them of key safeguards essential to investigating and prosecuting high-level corruption.
“These changes significantly undermine our operational independence and make us vulnerable to government interference,” the statement read.
Zelenskyy defended the law, claiming it was intended to free the agencies from suspected Russian influence. However, European Union officials and several member states expressed deep concern, calling the move a setback for Ukraine’s EU aspirations.
The European Commission labeled the law “a serious step backward.” Commission President Ursula von der Leyen requested urgent clarification from the Ukrainian government, with her spokesperson confirming, “President von der Leyen has expressed deep concern and expects a full explanation from Kyiv.”
Germany and France echoed the EU’s sentiment. German officials warned that the law could derail Ukraine’s path toward EU integration, while French Minister for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad urged Ukraine to reconsider. “It’s not too late to reverse this decision,” he told France Inter radio.
Despite recent Russian missile attacks on Kyiv, hundreds of citizens gathered in the city center to protest the law. Many accused the government of fast-tracking the legislation without sufficient transparency or public consultation.
“This law takes us 10 years backward in the fight against corruption,” said Dmytro, a protester interviewed by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
NABU and SAPO were created to investigate and prosecute high-level corruption cases independently. Since 2015, NABU has targeted top officials, earning international recognition for its efforts.
The new legislation empowers the Prosecutor General to act as the de facto head of SAPO and grants them unilateral authority to shut down ongoing corruption investigations and reassign cases from NABU to other agencies.
Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko claimed in a July 23 press conference that the agencies would continue their operations unchanged. “We’re simply enhancing oversight and expanding the scope of responsibilities,” he said.
The law’s passage follows recent arrests and raids targeting NABU staff. On July 21, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) detained two NABU employees—one on allegations of spying for Russia, and another for suspected business ties to Russian entities. Raids also included scrutiny over minor offenses, such as outdated traffic violations.
While Ukrainian authorities claim the actions are part of broader national security efforts, NABU and SAPO argue they signal an attempt to intimidate anti-corruption agencies and dilute their autonomy.
International observers, including the EU, are now watching closely. The coming weeks are seen as critical for Ukraine’s government to either amend the law or risk damaging the credibility of its anti-corruption efforts and democratic trajectory.
