It’s published
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Ukrainian President Voldimir Zelensky has released a new draft bill aimed at fighting corruption in order to suppress the protests sparked by a controversial law that critics undermine the independence of two important anti-transplants.
The controversial law passed Tuesday and aims to provide supervision to the country’s prosecutors over the Ukraine National Bureau of Anti-Corruption (NABU) and the specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).
The Ukrainian leader tried to portray the move as positive, claiming it would lead to more investigations, more beliefs, and “Russian influence.”
However, at the first major demonstration since Russia’s full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, thousands of Ukrainians took to urban towns, including Kiev, on Wednesday to oppose government actions.
To appease protesters, Zelenskyy changed course on Thursday, saying a new anti-graft bill would be brought to Congress later that day.
In telegram mail, the president argued that the draft bill would “sure a true strengthening of Ukrainian law and order system” and “ensure the independence of anti-corruption groups.”
“It’s important to maintain unity,” added Zelenskyy.
Not only will it spark protests at home, but the vote in the Ukrainian Parliament on Tuesday also sparked unrest in the EU, with Kiev aiming to take part.
In a post on X on Tuesday, EU extended committee member Marta Kos said it was a “serious step”, adding that NABU and SAPO are “essential” to the Ukrainian path to becoming members of the bloc.
The Ukrainian branch of Transparent International also denounced the parliamentary decision, saying it had undermined trust with its international partners.
Zelenskyy’s U-turn came for a third round talk the day after negotiators from Russia and Ukraine met in Istanbul.
The internal issues in Ukraine coincides with the increased Russian air bombing of Ukrainian cities.
On Thursday morning, the Russian plane dropped two gliding bombs in the eastern Ukraine city of Kharkiv, causing at least 37 people to be injured.
Additional sources •AP
