Ukraine’s parliament has passed legislation restoring the independence of two of the country’s most prominent anti-corruption agencies, reversing a controversial decision that had placed them under the control of a presidential appointee. The move follows intense public backlash and concern from Western allies, as well as rare wartime street protests.
Legislative Reversal After Domestic and International Outcry
On Thursday, Ukrainian lawmakers approved a bill to reestablish the autonomy of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who had initially backed the previous law curtailing their independence, signed the reversal into law, aiming to quell what many see as the most significant political crisis of his wartime presidency.
“This ensures the normal, independent operation of anti-corruption bodies and all law enforcement agencies of our state,” said Zelenskyy. “It is very important that the state listens to public opinion. Ukraine is a democracy — without a doubt.”
The move came just nine days after the Ukrainian parliament pushed through a bill, under pressure from Zelenskyy and his influential chief of staff Andriy Yermak, that placed NABU and SAPO under the authority of the prosecutor general — an official appointed by the president. The swift passage and enactment of that bill sparked immediate backlash, including public demonstrations and warnings from international partners, including French President Emmanuel Macron and European Council President António Costa.
Anti-Corruption at the Core of EU Aspirations
NABU and SAPO were established in the aftermath of Ukraine’s 2014 Euromaidan revolution, with significant Western support. Designed to operate independently of traditional law enforcement bodies, the agencies are tasked with investigating and prosecuting high-level corruption.
The initial law to strip their autonomy had frozen their activities and cast doubt on Ukraine’s commitment to transparency — a key requirement for its European Union accession ambitions. The European Commission welcomed Thursday’s legislative correction, stating, “Ukraine must build on this solid foundation as a future EU member state.” It emphasized that independent anti-corruption institutions are “a cornerstone of the rule of law.”
Political Fallout and Parliamentary Turmoil
Despite Zelenskyy’s backing of the new bill, the debate in parliament was fractious, with accusations, protests, and even a physical altercation between lawmakers. Some MPs from the president’s own Servant of the People party voiced fears of retaliation from NABU and SAPO for having supported the earlier law, demanding immunity from future investigations. One member walked out of the session in protest after failing to obtain such assurances.
Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, an opposition MP and former deputy prime minister, criticized Zelenskyy’s handling of the situation: “You’ve put at risk the trust of our partners, the state’s financing, and Ukraine’s path to the EU.”
Outside the parliament building, more than 1,000 protesters chanted “shame” at lawmakers who had previously voted to curtail the agencies’ powers — the first major public demonstration against Zelenskyy’s administration since the Russian invasion began in 2022.
Lingering Damage to Zelenskyy’s Authority
While the reversal may ease immediate tensions with Ukraine’s Western partners, it has come at a political cost. At least three MPs from Zelenskyy’s party have stated they will no longer automatically support legislation from the president or his office. Another MP announced his departure from the ruling party’s parliamentary faction.
“The vote seems to be secure today, but the future votes are not,” said Vadym Halaichuk, a Zelenskyy-aligned lawmaker.
Ongoing Investigations and Political Pressure
Oleksandr Klymenko, head of SAPO, noted that despite the reinstatement of independence, the agency still faces political pressure and attempts to undermine its credibility. Currently, NABU and SAPO are pursuing corruption investigations into 31 sitting MPs and 40 former lawmakers — including several affiliated with the president’s party.
The agencies have also brought charges against two former deputy prime ministers, a deputy head of the presidential office, and even the head of the supreme court. Among those implicated is Oleksiy Chernyshov, a figure close to Zelenskyy, who was charged with abuse of power and illicit enrichment before being removed in a recent cabinet reshuffle. Chernyshov has denied all allegations.
Conclusion
The restoration of NABU and SAPO’s independence marks a critical step in reaffirming Ukraine’s commitment to rule of law and transparency — both vital for its path toward EU membership. However, the political upheaval surrounding the issue signals growing tensions within Zelenskyy’s administration and underscores the challenge of maintaining institutional integrity during wartime governance.
