Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a law restoring independence to his country’s main anti-corruption agencies, following major protests against a bill that would have brought these bodies under government control. The move has been welcomed by European leaders, who see it as a crucial step towards upholding Ukraine’s democratic values.
The opposition had broken out across Ukraine last week after the parliament approved the bill, which was met with widespread criticism from citizens and civil society groups. Zelensky initially supported the bill, citing concerns over “Russian influence,” but later reversed his stance, citing public opinion and the importance of listening to the Ukrainian people.
The new law aims to ensure regular polygraph checks for all law enforcement personnel who have access to state secrets or have relatives in Russia. This move is seen as a significant step towards rooting out corruption in Ukraine’s government and institutions.
European leaders such as Ursula von der Leyen, António Costa, and Kaja Kallas have expressed their support for the new law, emphasizing its importance for upholding democratic values and fighting corruption. Diplomats from several EU countries also welcomed the move, highlighting its significance for Ukraine’s path towards European integration.
The signing of this law marks a significant shift in Ukraine’s approach to addressing corruption and is seen as a positive development for the country’s democratic progress.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/31/europe/ukraine-anti-corruption-agencies-law-latam-intl