Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has reversed a decision to weaken two key anticorruption agencies following public backlash. The move prompted the country’s first street demonstrations since Russia’s full-scale invasion began.
The initial decree last week had been widely criticized by civil society groups and international partners as a setback for Ukraine’s reform agenda and its fight against corruption, a critical factor in its bid for EU membership. The president’s office announced the restoration of full powers to the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) and the National anticorruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) following significant public outcry, including large-scale protests in Kyiv and other cities. This swift reversal underscores the sensitivity of governance and reform issues, even amidst ongoing conflict.
“Upholding the independence and full operational capacity of anticorruption institutions is paramount for Ukraine’s democratic future and its integration into the European Union,” stated a representative from Transparency International.
The episode highlights the delicate balance Ukraine must strike between wartime necessities and maintaining democratic governance and rule of law. The anticorruption agencies play a vital role in investigating and prosecuting graft, a perennial challenge in Ukraine that has been a key focus of international donors and institutions. The swift public response and subsequent policy adjustment demonstrate the resilience of civil society and the pressure for accountability, even under extreme wartime conditions.
This development signals the continued importance of anticorruption efforts in Ukraine and the government’s responsiveness to public pressure. Future adherence to these reforms will be closely watched by both domestic citizens and international stakeholders.
