Zelenskyy and Starmer discuss new anti-corruption law - UK offers support
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer (Getty Images)
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a substantive conversation with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. In particular, they discussed strengthening sanctions against Russia, according to Zelenskyy's post on Telegram.
During the conversation, Zelenskyy thanked the UK for its leadership in the Ramstein format and the new sanctions against Russia.
"Moscow must feel the cost of its aggression just as it deserves. This work will continue," the Ukrainian President emphasized.
At the same time, the Ukrainian President informed the UK Prime Minister about yesterday's meeting with the Russian side in Istanbul, during which an agreement was reached on the next prisoner exchange.
"The Ukrainian delegation yet again emphasized the need for a ceasefire and proposed holding a meeting on the level of leaders by the end of August," the Head of Ukraine noted.
Zelenskyy also said that together with Starmer, they also discussed diplomatic efforts with partners in Europe and the United States to strengthen security.
"I also spoke about the preparation of a bill aimed at strengthening the legal system and ensuring the independence and effectiveness of Ukraine's anti-corruption infrastructure. Keir suggested involving experts who could contribute to long-term cooperation," the Ukrainian President noted.
According to him, the two state leaders agreed to stay in touch on this issue.
"We see eye to eye on the need to defend the values of a normal life, counter any Russian influence or interference, and do everything to make our Europe stronger," Zelenskyy concluded.
NABU and SAPO law
On July 22, the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine's Parliament) passed a law that significantly limits the powers of NABU and SAPO while expanding the powers of the Prosecutor General. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed this law on the same day, and already the next day, on July 23, it came into force.
These actions by the authorities caused widespread public outcry. As a result, protests were held across the country.
Meanwhile, Ukraine's Defense Intelligence warned that Russian spy agencies and propagandists are closely monitoring the protests and may attempt to provoke conflicts.
Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation also added that Russia is already distorting the facts about the rallies, and Russian propaganda is using photoshopped images in an attempt to create the impression that the protests are directed against President Zelenskyy.
Read in our material on the topic, which changes in the law triggered criticism and what alternative solutions the Ukrainian President proposes.
Furthermore, in recent days, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the Coalition of the Willing is working on plans to send deterrence forces to Ukraine.
Moreover, according to Starmer, these plans are already as prepared as possible, as much as they can be before a ceasefire is reached.
The last meeting of the Coalition of the Willing took place on July 10 in Rome, Italy. That meeting also marked the first participation of representatives from the United States.
