Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has submitted a draft law aimed at reinstating the independence of two key anti-corruption institutions, following widespread protests and criticism from Ukraine’s Western allies over recently enacted legislation.

The previous law, passed earlier this week, brought the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (Sap) under the control of the prosecutor general — a position appointed by the president. The move immediately triggered alarm both domestically and internationally, with many warning it would erode the autonomy of the two bodies tasked with fighting high-level corruption.

In a televised address on Thursday, Zelensky backtracked on the measure, saying the new bill is designed “to safeguard the independence of Nabu and Sap” and protect them from potential Russian infiltration. He described the text of the bill as “well-balanced,” although he did not provide specific details.

Nabu confirmed in a statement that the new draft law “restored all procedural powers and guarantees of independence” for both institutions.

The initial legislation had cited concerns over Russian influence following security service raids that allegedly uncovered Russian spies within the anti-corruption agencies. However, the rationale was met with deep scepticism. The law’s passage sparked the largest protests seen in Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Demonstrators in several cities carried placards demanding that the legislation be vetoed, accusing the government of undermining democracy.

Western partners also reacted strongly. A spokesperson for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the rule of law and anti-corruption reforms remain “core elements” for Ukraine’s EU membership bid. On Thursday, the Commission “welcomed” Kyiv’s decision to reverse course, saying it was working with the Ukrainian government to ensure concerns were addressed.

Opposition lawmakers were critical of the sequence of events. MP Oleksiy Goncharenko remarked: “First we take it away, and then we say that it must be guaranteed. So why was all this necessary?”

Zelensky did not reference the protests directly in his Thursday statement, but he stressed the importance of “respecting the position of all Ukrainians” and expressed gratitude to “everyone who stands with Ukraine.”

The independence of Nabu and Sap has long been a benchmark for international support, including aid and EU integration efforts. Their creation in 2014 and 2015 was a condition set by both the European Commission and the International Monetary Fund in the wake of the Maidan revolution and amid growing concerns over systemic corruption.

As Ukraine continues its wartime struggle and simultaneous drive toward EU membership, the president’s latest move may help to steady international confidence — though lingering questions remain over the political motivations behind the initial legislation. (Arise News)

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