Ukraine Reinstates Independence of Key Anti-Corruption Bodies

Kyiv, July 31 (AP) – Ukraine's Parliament has decisively passed a bill proposed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reinstating the independence of two crucial anti-corruption bodies. This move reverses a controversial decision he made last week to limit their autonomy, sparking widespread criticism. Last week's action by Zelenskyy to place these watchdogs under the prosecutor-general's control met with strong backlash from Ukrainians, the European Union, and international rights groups. Concerns were raised that it could lead to governmental interference in investigations, potentially shielding allies from accountability.

Addressing entrenched corruption is essential for Ukraine's ambition to join the EU and maintain access to substantial Western aid during the ongoing war. It is also a cause with robust public support. Zelenskyy quickly signed the bill into law just two hours after its passage, marking an unusually rapid legislative process. "It guarantees normal, independent work for anti-corruption bodies and all law enforcement agencies in our state," Zelenskyy declared, describing the new law as a "truly productive day with real impact for the people."

EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, who previously criticized the legislative changes as a "serious step back," welcomed the bill, acknowledging it as a correction of last week's harmful decision. "Today's law restores key safeguards, but significant challenges remain," Kos noted on social media, emphasizing the EU's support for Ukrainian citizens' reform demands and the priority of upholding fundamental values and combating corruption.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, reiterated the country's dedication to reforms and anti-corruption efforts, applauding Zelenskyy's "principled approach." "We got it fixed," he stated on social media. During a livestream of the parliamentary session, the first of its kind since the war began, tensions flared, resulting in two lawmakers exchanging blows. Although the reason for the scuffle was unclear, it unfolded in a charged atmosphere with Ukrainian and EU flags visibly present.

The negative reaction to Zelenskyy's measures prompted street protests across Ukraine, marking the first significant demonstrations since Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. While the protests did not demand Zelenskyy's ousting, they posed a risk to public confidence in leadership at a critical juncture. Russia is intensifying efforts to breach Ukraine's front-line defenses and ramping up the shelling of Ukrainian cities, adding to uncertainties about the capacity and speed of additional weaponry from Western allies.

Ukraine's Transparency International branch also criticized last week's legislation, arguing it undermined significant reforms established since the country's 2014 Revolution of Dignity. Zelenskyy clarified his intention to expedite prolonged investigations, secure more convictions, and prevent Russian interference—without providing further specifics.

Following public outcry, he was prompted to introduce a new bill to Parliament. It emphasizes that the prosecutor general and deputies cannot instruct or interfere with anti-corruption agencies. The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's Parliament, showed strong support for Zelenskyy's new proposal, approving it with 331 votes and nine abstentions on Thursday, as official figures revealed. (AP)

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