Ukraine’s parliament voted overwhelmingly on Thursday to restore the full independence of the country’s two leading anti-corruption bodies, following days of public protests and mounting criticism that threatened to damage President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s wartime credibility.
The move comes after thousands took to the streets in Kyiv and other cities this week, outraged by last week’s rushed amendments — pushed through by lawmakers from Zelenskiy’s ruling party — that had weakened the powers of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).
In a dramatic reversal, Zelenskiy submitted a new bill under pressure from citizens and top European officials, who warned that undermining Ukraine’s anti-graft framework could derail its hopes of joining the European Union. On Thursday, lawmakers voted 331–0 in favor of the new legislation, reversing the controversial measures.
The repealed amendments had given the general prosecutor — a Zelenskiy appointee — sweeping authority to reassign prosecutors and cases, sparking fears the changes were aimed at shielding political allies from scrutiny. Critics called it a step toward authoritarianism.
Outside parliament, demonstrators applauded the vote. Many held signs reading “The people are the power!” and “Shame!” — echoing chants from earlier rallies outside the presidential administration.
Opposition lawmaker Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, speaking before the vote, praised citizens for preventing Ukraine from taking “one step from the abyss” of authoritarian rule. Some lawmakers even displayed handmade protest placards inside parliament in a symbolic nod to the public backlash. The bill now awaits Zelenskiy’s signature.
Since the Russian invasion began in February 2022, NABU and SAPO have been at the forefront of Ukraine’s anti-corruption drive, prosecuting several high-profile cases. Last month, a former deputy prime minister was indicted for allegedly accepting a $345,000 bribe.
NABU chief Semen Kryvonos told newsreporters last week that while the reversal of the amendments was a welcome step, his agency remained under pressure from entrenched corrupt interests. He urged Ukraine’s leadership to take an active role in supporting anti-corruption efforts.
“This responsibility must be shared with the government,” Kryvonos said. “They must be willing to say: ‘There is corruption here — let’s destroy it.’”
For many Ukrainians, particularly as the war with Russia drags on, a clean and transparent government is essential. With EU membership a national aspiration, Thursday’s vote sends a signal — both to domestic audiences and international partners — that Ukraine remains committed to reform.
Reuter/s.s