UKRAINE: Zelensky's Move To Neutralise Anti-Graft Agencies Triggers Backlash

President Volodymyr Zelensky's unexpected move against Ukraine's anti-corruption bodies triggered significant backlash at home and abroad, with the leader arguing that there was a need to rid the institutions of Russian influence.

• Legislation signed into law last night was believed to render anti-graft bodies toothless by placing the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) under the control of the politically appointed Prosecutor General's Office.
• Zelensky said that 'anti-corruption infrastructure will work. Only without Russian influence, it needs to be cleared of that. And there should be more justice.' He refrained from addressing the protests held across multiple Ukrainian cities, including outside of the presidential complex, despite martial law.
• The move triggered backlash from Ukraine's foreign partners as well, including the European Commission. Taking steps to eradicate corruption has been one of the conditions for the country's integration with the bloc. Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said she had had a 'frank discussion' with the Ukrainian PM.
• Holos MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak said that opposition lawmakers have started collecting signatures under a petition to the Constitutional Court to review the controversial legislation. A group of 45 MPs can bring a case to the Court, which can then strike down parts or the entirety of challenged legislation.