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Kyiv, Ukraine – July 31, 2025
Ukraine’s Parliament has overwhelmingly approved legislation reinstating the independence of two key anti-corruption watchdogs, reversing a controversial measure introduced last week that placed them under the oversight of the prosecutor-general.
Legislative Reversal Following Public and International Backlash
The bill, proposed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, comes in response to widespread protests and criticism from civil society, the European Union, and international rights groups. The prior measure had raised concerns over potential government interference in investigations and the shielding of political allies.
Zelenskyy signed the new law into effect within hours of its passage, calling it a “productive day with real impact for the people” and affirming that it guarantees independent operations for Ukraine’s anti-corruption bodies.
Strategic Importance for EU Membership and Western Aid
Restoring the autonomy of anti-graft institutions is seen as essential for Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union and to maintain access to billions of euros in critical Western financial support. EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos welcomed the move, stating that lawmakers had “corrected last week’s damaging vote” and reaffirmed the bloc’s support for Ukrainian citizens’ demands for reform.
Public Support and Political Tensions
The reversal follows Ukraine’s first major street demonstrations since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. While not aimed at removing the president, the protests signaled growing public demand for transparency and accountability amid ongoing wartime pressures.
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