Zelenskyy promises new law to guarantee NABU and SAPO independence

According to Zelenskyy, the presidential draft law will be submitted to Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada in the near future. The bill aims to strengthen the independence of anti-corruption institutions and eliminate any Russian influence over Ukraine's law enforcement agencies.

"There were many meetings with government officials and representatives of law enforcement agencies. We spoke in detail. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), NABU, SAPO, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, NACP, SBI, the Prosecutor General of Ukraine - it was important for me that everyone gave their arguments," Zelenskyy noted.

The Ukrainian President emphasized that all participants in the discussions "heard each other" and voiced concerns that "had been building up for a long time." According to Zelenskyy, the parties agreed on joint efforts and measures that can "truly create a sense of the inevitability of punishment - and therefore, justice - in Ukraine."

Ukrainian leader also stated that the heads of law enforcement and anti-corruption institutions would jointly propose an action plan - "a plan of concrete steps that can reinforce the rule of law in Ukraine." He assured that all participants had listened to the public's demands, as expressed on social media, in the streets, and private conversations.

"I will propose to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine a bill that will be a response - one that will ensure strength for the law enforcement system," the President said.

Zelenskyy also stressed: "There will be no Russian influence or interference in the activities of law enforcement agencies."

Ukrainian President further emphasized that all provisions guaranteeing the independence of anti-corruption institutions will be preserved. He also expects proposals on specific legislative norms from the heads of law enforcement and anti-corruption bodies, including the Prosecutor General. The bill will be part of the broader national transformation strategy.

Bill on NABU and SAPO

Last Monday, the SBU conducted a check at the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) regarding compliance with state secrets legislation. That same week, searches were also carried out at NABU, reportedly aimed at "eliminating Russian influence."

Just yesterday, Parliament passed Bill No. 12414, which reduces the powers of NABU and SAPO. In particular, the bill includes the following provisions:

• The Prosecutor General is granted the authority to close criminal cases upon the motion of the defense;
• The Prosecutor General may personally sign notices of suspicion against high-ranking officials;
• The head of SAPO loses the right to be included in a group of prosecutors - that decision will now be made exclusively by the Prosecutor General.

Before the bill was considered, anti-corruption agencies urged MPs not to support the document. It also sparked widespread public backlash - protests broke out in Kyiv and several other cities. Nevertheless, on the evening of July 22, the President of Ukraine signed the bill into law.

Today, Zelenskyy held a meeting with the heads of law enforcement and anti-corruption bodies in the wake of protests over Bill No. 12414.