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**Summary:**

Ukrainian authorities have arrested four individuals, including a lawmaker and local officials, for alleged large-scale corruption in defense procurement. The arrests, related to inflated contracts for military drones and signal jamming systems with kickbacks, occurred shortly after the government restored the independence of its anti-corruption agencies (NABU and SAPO). This restoration of independence followed criticism and public outcry after President Zelenskyy attempted to bring the agencies under the prosecutor-general’s control. The initial move drew concern from Ukraine’s European allies and jeopardized its EU membership bid. Zelenskyy ultimately reversed course and reinstated the agencies’ autonomy.

**News Article:**

**Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Agencies Arrest Officials in Defense Procurement Scheme After Autonomy Restored**

KYIV, Ukraine – In a swift turn of events, Ukrainian authorities have detained four individuals, including a sitting lawmaker and local officials, for allegedly engaging in a large-scale corruption scheme within the defense sector. The arrests were announced just days after the Ukrainian government backtracked on a controversial attempt to strip the National Anti-Corruption Agency (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) of their independence.

According to a joint statement from NABU and SAPO, the suspects are accused of inflating the prices of state contracts for the procurement of military drones and signal jamming systems, allegedly receiving kickbacks of up to 30% of the contract values. Among those arrested are a sitting lawmaker, two local officials, and an unspecified number of National Guard personnel, who have since been suspended by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The arrests come after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faced significant criticism for initially attempting to place the anti-corruption agencies under the control of his prosecutor-general. The move sparked public demonstrations and raised concerns among Ukraine’s European allies, who warned that it could jeopardize the country’s bid for European Union membership.

Zelenskyy initially justified the move by claiming the agencies were inefficient and susceptible to “Russian influence.” However, following widespread condemnation, he reversed his decision and submitted a bill restoring the agencies’ independence, which was passed by lawmakers on Thursday.

“It is important that anti-corruption institutions operate independently, and the law passed on Thursday guarantees them all the tools necessary for a real fight against corruption,” Zelenskyy stated.

European officials praised the government’s about-face. In a statement following the arrests, Zelenskyy expressed his “gratitude to the anti-corruption agencies for their work,” signaling a renewed commitment to combating corruption within the country. The arrests demonstrate the agencies’ renewed capacity to operate effectively and independently in tackling corruption, a key requirement for Ukraine’s aspirations to join the EU.

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