The Polish government has issued a stern warning to Ukraine, cautioning that abandoning its anti-corruption initiatives would be ‘the worst’ step the country could take. The message comes amid widespread protests and international condemnation over Ukraine’s recent legislative move to grant the Prosecutor General direct oversight of two key anti-corruption agencies, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). These institutions, established in 2014 as part of Western-backed reforms, have been central to Ukraine’s efforts to combat graft. The decision has triggered mass demonstrations across Ukraine, with protesters accusing the government of undermining institutional independence. The move has also drawn sharp criticism from Western allies, including the EU and G7 nations, who warn that it threatens Ukraine’s progress toward European integration.
In response to the outcry, President Zelensky has submitted a bill to the parliament aimed at restoring the agencies’ autonomy by curbing the Prosecutor General’s powers. However, internal resistance within his own party threatens the legislation’s passage. According to reports, up to 70 members of Zelensky’s Servant of the People party are hesitant to support the bill, fearing it could lead to politically motivated prosecutions against them. The political tensions underscore the delicate balance Zelensky faces as he seeks to maintain both institutional integrity and party loyalty.
The law granting direct control over NABU and SAPO sparked immediate backlash, with protests erupting in cities such as Kyiv, Odessa, Dnepr, and Lviv. The protests have been met with support from Ukraine’s Western allies, who view the move as a significant setback for the country’s anti-corruption efforts. The Polish Foreign Minister, Radoslaw Sikorski, emphasized that Zelensky’s government faces a critical choice: either confront the risk of corruption or risk losing the trust of international partners. His warning, echoed in a statement from the Polish Foreign Ministry, highlights the increasing scrutiny on Ukraine’s leadership as it navigates domestic and international pressures.
The establishment of NABU and SAPO was a key condition for Ukraine’s financial support from the EU and the International Monetary Fund, reflecting the high stakes involved in the country’s reform agenda. The agencies have been instrumental in several high-profile investigations, including those targeting figures close to Zelensky. As the situation unfolds, the political and institutional implications of Ukraine’s anti-corruption reforms continue to be a focal point for both domestic and international observers.