Archive · 23 Jul 2025
Zelenskiy's Actions Against Ukraine's Anti-Corruption Agencies Face Backlash
Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, is being criticized for changing how the country fights corruption.
He's given the main prosecutor more control over agencies that investigate high-level corruption, like NABU and SAPO.
This move has upset many people.
EU officials and citizens worry it could hurt Ukraine's chances of joining the EU.
Thousands protested, because they want the government to seriously fight corruption, especially during the war with Russia.
Zelenskiy says he's working on a new plan to tackle corruption, but the agencies want their independence back.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy is facing criticism for weakening anti-corruption agencies.
The changes grant the prosecutor more power over the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).
Critics allege the move hinders Ukraine's path to joining the EU and is politically motivated.
Thousands protested in Kyiv, expressing concerns about corruption amid the ongoing war with Russia.
Zelenskiy has met with officials to create a plan addressing corruption, but NABU and SAPO seek to restore independence.
- Who
- Volodymyr Zelenskiy, NABU, SAPO, and EU officials.
- What
- President Zelenskiy has altered the powers of anti-corruption agencies.
- When
- Amendments were made recently.
- Where
- Ukraine.
- Why
- Zelenskiy stated it was to cleanse Russian influence, while critics claim it is politically motivated.
Critics of the Amendments
Supporters of the Amendments
Impact on Corruption Fight
Critics of the Amendments
Undermining independent investigation of corruption and obstructing Ukraine's path to the EU.
Supporters of the Amendments
Strengthening measures to combat corruption, potentially removing Russian influence.
- Agencies Involved
- NABU (National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine) & SAPO (Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office)
- Primary Concern
- Weakening of anti-corruption efforts
- Criticism Source
- EU officials and Ukrainian citizens
- Protest Location
- Kyiv
- President's Stance
- Plan to combat corruption