Ukraine and the incompleteness of anti-corruption bodies, n July 2025, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted draft law No.12414, which sparked significant public debate. According to the law, two key anti-corruption institutions — the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) — temporarily lost their independence and were placed under the authority of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine.
Many experts and human rights organizations described this move as an attempt by Parliament to gain political control over anti-corruption bodies and reduce transparency in high-level corruption investigations.
Independence of anti-corruption bodies
However, following strong criticism from the public, international partners, and representatives of the European Union, the Verkhovna Rada was forced to amend the law, restoring NABU and SAPO’s independent status.
According to analysts, this case demonstrates how Ukraine’s anti-corruption system remains vulnerable to political interference, while also highlighting the crucial role of civic pressure and international oversight in defending government transparency.
Sources: https://apnews.com/article/russian-ukraine-war-corruption-law-graft-watchdogs-2abf1e53a71ed0fff726c256c55aefb8