Ukraine Parliament Restores Anti-Corruption Agencies Independence Amid Political Crisis

Ukraine's parliament reversed a controversial law that had stripped key anti-corruption agencies, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), of their independence, restoring their autonomous status amid widespread public outcry and pressure from Western donors. The original law, which placed these bodies under executive control, was seen as a political move to shield President Volodymyr Zelensky’s inner circle from scrutiny and triggered protests and international criticism, including concerns from the EU about Ukraine's anti-corruption reforms. The reversal law, supported unanimously in parliament and signed by Zelensky, aims to strengthen the rule of law and align Ukraine with European standards, with officials emphasizing it removes risks of interference in anti-corruption investigations. Western leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, welcomed the move as a positive step for Ukraine’s democratic and judicial reforms. The controversy spotlighted ongoing concerns about corruption in Ukraine, with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko criticizing the misuse of Western aid and the political circus surrounding Ukraine’s governance. The restoration of these agencies’ independence is seen as a critical response to both domestic demands and international expectations, helping to preserve Ukraine's access to foreign aid and support amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.