Key Facts
• July 22, 2025: Law weakened powers of two anti-corruption agencies.
• Agencies placed under prosecutor general appointed by the president.
• Domestic protests and international criticism followed the law’s enactment.
• July 31, 2025: New law restoring agency independence passed by parliament.
• President Zelensky signed the law to address backlash and stabilize the situation.
• EU and global community raised concerns over Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts.
• Protests included large-scale demonstrations across Ukraine.
Summary
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a new law on July 31, 2025, to restore the independence of two key anti-corruption agencies: the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office. This move followed widespread domestic protests and international criticism after a July 22 law significantly weakened the agencies’ powers by placing them under the control of the prosecutor general, who is appointed by the president. The backlash included large-scale demonstrations in Ukraine and concerns from the European Union and other international bodies, as Ukraine seeks EU membership. The new law aims to address these concerns and stabilize the situation.
