Participants react at a protest against a law targeting anti-corruption institutions in front of the Ukrainian parliament in Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Ukraine has taken a major step to repair trust and stay on its European path. The Parliament in Kyiv passed a crucial law on Thursday that restores the independence of key anti-corruption agencies. This decision comes after intense backlash over an earlier move by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that had curtailed their powers.
The new legislation was approved by 331 lawmakers, with only nine abstentions. Zelenskyy signed it into law within two hours of the vote — an unusually swift move, even by wartime standards.
Backlash Over Anti-Graft Oversight Move
Last week, Zelenskyy sparked controversy by placing Ukraine’s main anti-corruption watchdogs under the supervision of the prosecutor general. This raised alarm bells across the country and abroad. Critics feared that this shift would allow political interference in investigations.
The European Union, civil society groups, and ordinary Ukrainians quickly voiced concern. Street protests erupted — the first major demonstrations since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. While these protests did not call for Zelenskyy’s resignation, they signaled serious frustration among citizens.
Ukrainian lawmakers are calling to vote for a new bill proposed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy restoring the independence of the country’s anti-corruption agencies at the parliament session hall in Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
EU Welcomes Swift Correction
The EU responded positively to Thursday’s vote. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, called it a sign that Ukraine is “committed to European democratic values.” Marta Kos, the EU Enlargement Commissioner, said the Parliament had corrected “last week’s damaging vote.”
Kos also emphasized that, while the reversal is welcome, “challenges remain.” She urged Ukraine to continue prioritizing the fight against corruption — a core EU requirement for membership.
Zelenskyy Responds to Public Sentiment
Zelenskyy acknowledged the public anger and protests. He said the new law guarantees the independent functioning of Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions. “It’s a productive day with real impact for the people,” he stated.
He defended his earlier decision, saying it aimed to speed up slow investigations and prevent Russian meddling. However, he admitted the need to respond to citizens' concerns and presented the new bill to restore checks and balances.
The revised law makes it clear that neither the prosecutor general nor their deputies can interfere with the work of anti-graft agencies.
Strong Public and Political Signals
The Ukrainian Parliament, or Verkhovna Rada, broadcasted Thursday’s session live — the first real-time stream since the war began. Tensions were high. A scuffle even broke out between two lawmakers, reflecting the pressure inside the chamber.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha praised the outcome, saying Zelenskyy had shown a “principled approach” in addressing the controversy. “We got it fixed,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Transparency International Ukraine also supported the new law. The group had strongly opposed last week’s legislation, calling it a rollback of one of the most vital reforms since Ukraine’s 2014 Revolution of Dignity.
War, Reforms, and Ukraine’s EU Dream
The timing of the controversy could not have been worse. Ukraine is under increasing military pressure from Russia, whose forces are intensifying attacks along the front and across cities. Meanwhile, Kyiv remains heavily reliant on Western military and financial support.
Maintaining the trust of allies and citizens alike is crucial. Ukraine’s push to join the EU depends on upholding democratic values, including a robust and independent anti-corruption system.
The law’s quick passage and signing now send a strong message: Ukraine is still committed to reforms, even amid war.
By reversing course, Zelenskyy has reassured both Ukrainians and the international community that the fight against corruption remains a top priority.
