In a decisive move following widespread demonstrations, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the submission of a new draft law aimed at reinstating the independence of Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP). The protests, deemed the largest anti-government actions since the onset of war, were spurred by legislation that had placed these agencies under the control of the prosecutor general, nominated by Zelensky himself.
Amid rising tensions, Zelensky underscored the urgency of safeguarding these institutions from potential Russian influence in his Thursday address. "The bill is well-balanced," he mentioned, although he withheld specific details. The NABU welcomed the draft, announcing it would "restore all procedural powers and guarantees of independence."
Earlier changes had incited alarm, especially among Ukraine's Western allies, who cautioned that undermining these agencies could hinder Kyiv's European Union aspirations. European Commission officials reiterated the significance of maintaining a robust rule of law. During the protests, thousands took to the streets in multiple cities, demanding the revocation of the controversial law, which many feared would dismantle the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts.
Opposition figures, such as MP Oleksiy Goncharenko, criticized Zelensky, questioning the reasoning behind relinquishing the agencies' autonomy only to promise its reinstatement later. "Why was all this necessary?" he challenged, encapsulating the sentiments of frustrated protesters.
While refraining from explicitly addressing the protests in his remarks, Zelensky emphasized the importance of acknowledging the views of citizens, expressing gratitude to all who support Ukraine in these challenging times.
