Ukraine Restores Anti-Corruption Agencies' Independence

Ukraine's parliament, with near-unanimous support, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have restored the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) after a controversial law placed them under presidential control. The reversal followed intense domestic and international backlash, with thousands protesting in Kyiv and other cities, and the European Union warning that undermining anti-corruption reforms could imperil Ukraine’s EU accession bid. The new legislation ensures NABU and SAPO operate free from direct government interference, while also addressing concerns about Russian influence without sacrificing agency autonomy. European allies have widely welcomed the move, seeing it as crucial for continued Western support and international aid. However, the controversy has damaged public trust in Ukraine’s leadership and highlighted persistent challenges in its fight against corruption. EU officials caution that further reforms are still necessary for Ukraine’s democratic progress.