Zelenskyy Vows New Law to Protect NABU and SAPO Autonomy

Recent Developments in Ukraine's Law Enforcement Reforms

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has recently outlined significant changes to Ukraine’s law enforcement system, signaling a major shift in the country’s approach to governance and anti-corruption efforts. During an evening address, he confirmed that a presidential bill is currently being prepared to reform the legal framework governing these institutions. The proposed legislation aims to enhance the independence of anti-corruption bodies and ensure that no external influence—particularly from Russia—interferes with the operations of law enforcement agencies.

Zelenskyy emphasized that extensive discussions have taken place with various government officials and representatives from key law enforcement organizations. These included the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption (NACP), the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), and the Office of the Prosecutor General. According to the President, each party had the opportunity to present their arguments, and all participants were able to express concerns that had been accumulating over time.

The discussions resulted in a mutual agreement on the importance of creating a sense of inevitability in the administration of justice. Zelenskyy highlighted that the heads of law enforcement and anti-corruption institutions will jointly develop an action plan—a set of concrete steps designed to reinforce the rule of law across the nation. He also noted that public demands, as voiced through social media, street protests, and private conversations, have been taken into account during the process.

The President pledged to submit the proposed bill to the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, soon. This initiative is intended to strengthen the law enforcement system and provide it with greater autonomy. Zelenskyy reiterated that there will be no Russian interference in the activities of these agencies. Furthermore, he assured that all provisions ensuring the independence of anti-corruption institutions will remain intact.

In addition to this, Zelenskyy expects that the heads of law enforcement and anti-corruption bodies will submit specific legislative proposals. These will include recommendations on the norms and procedures that should be incorporated into the new law. The bill is part of a broader national transformation strategy aimed at modernizing Ukraine’s legal and institutional frameworks.

Controversial Legislation and Public Backlash

The recent reforms have not been without controversy. Last Monday, the SBU conducted a check at SAPO to ensure compliance with state secrets legislation. Similarly, searches were carried out at NABU, reportedly as part of efforts to eliminate Russian influence within the organization.

Just days before, Parliament passed Bill No. 12414, which significantly reduces the powers of NABU and SAPO. The bill introduces several key changes:

• 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—this decision will now be made exclusively by the Prosecutor General.

Before the bill was passed, anti-corruption agencies strongly opposed the legislation, warning that it would undermine their effectiveness. The move also triggered widespread public backlash, with protests erupting in Kyiv and other cities. Despite this, the President signed the bill into law on the evening of July 22.

In response to the protests, Zelenskyy held a meeting with the heads of law enforcement and anti-corruption bodies. This step reflects the ongoing tension between the need for reform and the concerns raised by both officials and the public. As the new law takes effect, its impact on Ukraine’s fight against corruption and the integrity of its law enforcement system remains to be seen.