Thu Jul 24 18:17:39 UTC 2025: ## Zelenskyy Retreats on Anti-Corruption Law Amidst Outcry, Submits New Draft
**Kyiv, Ukraine** – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is attempting to quell a storm of domestic and international criticism after signing into law a measure widely seen as weakening the country’s anti-corruption agencies. On Thursday, Zelenskyy submitted a new draft bill to the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament), aiming to restore the “procedural powers and guarantees of independence” of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).
The initial controversial law, passed on Tuesday, placed NABU and SAPO under the direct control of the Prosecutor General, a position appointed by the president. Zelenskyy initially defended the law as necessary to counter suspected “Russian influence” within the agencies amidst the ongoing war. However, critics argued it stripped the anti-corruption bodies of their autonomy, potentially allowing political interference while failing to address actual Kremlin-linked operatives.
The law sparked widespread protests across Ukraine, defying martial law, and drew condemnation from European officials. Concerns were raised about its impact on Ukraine’s EU membership aspirations and continued aid flows, both contingent on demonstrable progress in fighting corruption.
Under mounting pressure, Zelenskyy promised new legislation ensuring the independence of anti-corruption institutions and preventing Russian interference. Opposition lawmakers have also prepared their own bill to revoke the initial law.
“They heroically solved the problems that they created just as heroically. Grand imitators,” quipped Yaroslav Zhelezniak of the opposition Holos party, criticizing Zelenskyy’s reversal.
Prior to submitting the new draft, Zelenskyy consulted with the leaders of Germany and the United Kingdom. According to Zelenskyy’s office, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer offered expert assistance on long-term cooperation. Zelenskyy also invited German politician Friedrich Merz to join an expert review of the bill, with Merz reportedly agreeing to assist.
The Verkhovna Rada is expected to vote on the new bill in the coming days. The outcome will be closely watched both within Ukraine and internationally as a critical test of the government’s commitment to tackling corruption.
First Piper 