Ukraine's anti-corruption law

Zelensky: New bill to secure independence

Ukrainian President Zelensky is to submit a new bill to parliament after the harsh criticism of the new anti-corruption law, Reuters reports.

- The independence of anti-corruption agencies will be maintained, he says in his daily video address.

Exactly what will be included in the new bill is not clear, but according to Zelensky, it will "strengthen the judiciary".

The new law, which was signed yesterday, has been met with harsh criticism both within Ukraine and from the EU. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has demanded an explanation from Zelensky.

Ukrainian soldiers on the law: "A fatal mistake"

Several Ukrainian soldiers that Kyiv Independent spoke to are harshly criticizing President Zelensky for the new law that restricts the independence of anti-corruption agencies.

Battalion commander Petro Kuzyk calls it a “fatal mistake” on the part of the government. Ukrainian democracy is now defended by soldiers who hold their positions despite the lack of ammunition, rather than politicians who are “trying to score political points,” he says.

“Architect,” a 32-year-old drone operator, agrees with the criticism.

“The government has shown its true face again. We have seen it since 2019, but the war has taken the focus off it.”

“Architect” was a student and organized protests in his hometown of Lviv during the Euromaidan protests of 2013-2014, when pro-Kremlin President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted.

He, and many other soldiers who were there then, have bitter associations with the government’s actions this week.

Thousands demonstrate in Kyiv for second night in a row

Thousands of Ukrainians are demonstrating in Kyiv for the second night in a row, AFP reporters on the spot report. A large proportion are in their teens and 20s.

Protests against the new anti-corruption law are planned in at least 17 cities during the evening, according to Ukrainian Pravda.

Earlier on Wednesday, President Zelensky promised to submit a new bill to parliament to ensure the independence of anti-corruption agencies. What it will contain is unclear.
New law – the point

Nya lagen – det gäller saken

• On July 22, the Ukrainian parliament voted through a law that makes the anti-corruption agencies Nabu and Sapo directly subordinate to the Prosecutor General.
• President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the law the same day, despite widespread protests in Kyiv and criticism from both the EU and Ukrainian politicians.
• The European Commission and several EU representatives expressed concern that the law threatens Ukraine's reform agenda and could negatively affect the country's EU ambitions.
• Zelensky defended the law, saying it would counter Russian influence in the authorities, while critics said it would curtail democracy and the independence of the judiciary.
• Following the protests, Zelensky announced on July 23 that he would submit a new bill to ensure the independence of anti-corruption authorities.