Ukraine’s Parliament voted to restore the powers of two anticorruption agencies after President Volodymyr Zelensky faced backlash for undermining their independence. The move came amid protests sparked by a July 22 bill that would have neutered the agencies, which have been instrumental in combating corruption.
On Thursday, lawmakers overwhelmingly approved legislation to reverse the bill, with 331 of 340 present voting in favor. The decision was seen as a victory for protesters who had taken to the streets across Ukraine, calling for the agencies’ restoration.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialized Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office have been widely praised for their efforts to combat corruption and bring those responsible to justice. However, President Zelensky moved to curb their power by placing them under the authority of the prosecutor general, which sparked international concern.
European leaders had pressured Mr. Zelensky to reconsider his move, warning that it would damage Ukraine’s reputation and undermine its efforts in the war against Russia. The European Union even announced it would withhold €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion) from a €4.5-billion euro fund due to concerns over corruption.
Protesters had taken to the streets, demanding the restoration of the agencies’ powers, citing the need for strong anti-corruption measures in order to combat graft and ensure stability during the war. The protests were seen as a victory for Ukraine’s democracy and its commitment to European values.
In a video statement after signing the bill into law, President Zelensky acknowledged the public’s demand for change, saying it was essential that the state listens to public opinion. The European Commission welcomed the vote, emphasizing the importance of restoring key safeguards ensuring the independence of the anti-corruption bodies.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/31/world/europe/ukraine-corruption-agencies-parliament.html