Ukraine’s Zelensky Responds to Criticism, Proposes Bill to Bolster Anti-Corruption Agencies

Under pressure from domestic protests and international criticism, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has taken steps to restore the autonomy of the country’s anti-corruption bodies. The president unveiled a new bill designed to reinforce the independence of these agencies, directly addressing concerns raised by the public and Ukraine’s Western allies. This initiative follows a period of controversy surrounding a previous law that allowed the Prosecutor General’s Office to oversee the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). This earlier action was preceded by a law enforcement operation targeting NABU and the arrest of an individual accused of spying for Russia. Zelensky stated that the new law aims to provide robust safeguards for the independence of the agencies and prevent Russian interference. The draft legislation is said to include compulsory lie detector tests for employees of NABU, SAPO, and related entities. This policy shift was spurred by widespread demonstrations across Ukraine, with protesters expressing their disapproval of the perceived weakening of anti-corruption measures. Critics have charged Zelensky with authoritarianism, claiming the previous law undermined the capacity of anti-corruption bodies. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has spoken out against the earlier measures, warning that they could hinder Ukraine’s path to EU membership. The creation of NABU and SAPO followed the 2014 US-backed coup, aiming to align Ukraine’s governance with Western standards. However, some have argued that these agencies have been used as instruments of external influence. Meanwhile, some Western officials have questioned the effectiveness of Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts, pointing to the persistence of corruption despite past reforms.