President Volodymyr Zelensky approved the text of a new draft law aimed at ensuring the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) on Thursday afternoon. He said that this would strengthen both elements of the anti-corruption system and protect it from Russian influence.
The decision came after two days of large-scale nationwide protests that saw thousands of Ukrainians taking to the streets demanding the restoration of NABU and SAPO’s independence.
Protesters in Kyiv have returned to the streets for a second consecutive day, rallying against the government’s passage of Bill 12414 – a controversial law that strips anti-corruption agencies of their independence.
— KyivPost (@KyivPost) July 23, 2025
Here’s what the protest looks like on the ground…
“I have just approved the text of a draft law that guarantees real reinforcement of the rule of law system in Ukraine, the independence of anti-corruption bodies, as well as reliable protection of the law enforcement system from any Russian influence or interference,” Zelensky said.
He emphasized that the text of the draft law is balanced but did not release details of the draft law or its wording.
Zelensky said that the main priorities of the new draft law were to provide real investigative tools, full independence of NABU and SAPO, and to eliminate any Russian ties.
According to Zelensky, the document would be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada Thursday, July 24, stressing that under the current circumstances, it is important for Ukrainians to be united.
“It is important that we preserve unity. It is important that we preserve independence. It is important that we respect the views of all Ukrainians and are grateful to everyone who stands with Ukraine,” he added.
Earlier today Kyiv Post wrote that 48 Members of the Ukrainian Parliament had registered a motion calling for the repeal of the provisions of Law No. 12414 that restricted the activities of the two anti-corruption agencies.
Western allies, including the European Union, G7 nations, and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul were among those that warned that weakening Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts could slow its progress toward EU accession and undermine international confidence in the government’s reform agenda.
Ukraine formally applied to join the EU following Russia’s full-scale invasion in early 2022. Accession negotiations began in June 2024, with the fight against corruption considered one of the most important preconditions for membership.
Hastily passed by parliament on Tuesday, the legislation effectively removed the independent status of NABU and SAPO, giving the Prosecutor General powers to oversee investigations, access case files, and even close cases based on defense requests.
The law had been ratified by a late-night signing despite the gathering of thousands of demonstrators for hours outside the presidential complex in Kyiv and in other cities – including Lviv, Odesa, and Dnipro – to protest the new law that many saw as a major blow to the country’s push to eliminate graft in government institutions.
NABU Director Semen Kryvonos urged Zelensky to veto the bill, warning it “effectively destroys” the agency’s independence. Despite the outcry, Zelensky said late Tuesday that NABU and SAPO would continue to operate but needed to be “cleared of Russian influence.”
On Wednesday, Zelensky, pressured by growing protests, said he would propose a bill to parliament that would include all the provisions necessary to help ensure the independence of the country’s anti-corruption institutions.
That seemed to placate, at least temporarily, the two disenfranchised agencies:
“We are grateful for the constructive dialogue and meetings that help foster joint efforts, said a joint statement from NABU and SAPO on Facebook on Wednesday.
US Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Lindsey Graham said Ukraine must avoid giving its critics more reasons to question continuing international support.
“One of the most common arguments for cutting support to Ukraine is that the country is corrupt,” they said. “Ukraine is making progress, and we urge the government to avoid actions that would weaken that progress.”
“There continues to be strong bipartisan support for Ukraine,” they added, “but future US investment depends on trust in Ukraine’s institutions and its commitment to transparency.”
