**Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Institutions at Risk: US Senator Criticizes Zelensky**
In a move that has sent shockwaves across the country, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law on July 22 that effectively destroys the independence of two key anti-corruption institutions. The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) have been stripped of their powers, leaving many to wonder if Ukraine is taking steps backwards in its fight against corruption.
US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham was quick to speak out against the move, saying that it “undermines” the progress made by Ukraine over the last decade. In a joint statement with Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Graham warned that this law could be used as an excuse for countries to cut support for Ukraine. “One of the most widely used talking points for ending support for Ukraine is that it was awash with corruption,” he said. “We acknowledge that Ukraine continues to make progress on this front and we urge the government to refrain from any actions that undermine that progress.”
**The Law: A Blow to Anti-Corruption Efforts**
The law, which was passed by the Ukrainian parliament on July 22, grants the prosecutor general new powers over cases led by SAPO and investigations led by NABU. This move has been widely criticized by opposition lawmakers and watchdogs, who argue that it effectively destroys the independence of these institutions. According to Kateryna Butko, head of the anti-corruption watchdog AutoMaidan, “The clause that the prosecutor general can take cases away from NABU is unlikely to have an impact on Russian agents.”
**Protests Erupt Across Ukraine**
As news of the law spread, protests erupted across major cities in Ukraine, including Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro, and Odesa. Ukrainians took to the streets to express their outrage at what they see as a threat to the country’s democracy. “This is the point of no return,” said one protestor, who spoke to the Kyiv Independent on condition of anonymity.
**A Cross-Party Group Seeks to Reverse the Law**
In response to public pressure, a cross-party group of 48 lawmakers has submitted a bill to the Verkhovna Rada aimed at restoring the independence of key anti-corruption agencies. Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, head of the parliamentary committee on freedom of speech, said that this move is essential for preserving Ukraine’s democratic values.
**Zelensky’s Response**
President Zelensky has claimed that the purpose of the law was to curtail Russian influence in Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions. However, experts have pointed out that the law does not target Russian agents and instead deprives anti-corruption agencies of their independence. On July 23, Zelensky said that Ukraine’s law enforcement and anti-corruption institutions will present a joint action plan within two weeks aimed at strengthening the justice system.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the future of Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts hangs in the balance. Will the country be able to reverse this move and preserve its democratic values? Only time will tell.
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