Ukraine's parliament votes to restore NABU, SAPO independence

Bill No. 13533 was approved in full by 331 parliamentarians. Lawmakers also supported a proposal to urgently send the bill for signing.

During the vote, hundreds gathered in Mariyinskyi Park near the Verkhovna Rada, urging legislators to back the bill.

Zelenskyy stated that his bill “guarantees real strengthening of Ukraine’s law enforcement system, the independence of anti-corruption agencies, and reliable protection of the law enforcement system from any Russian influence or interference.”

According to the bill’s text, published on the Rada’s website, the subordination of SAPO to the Prosecutor General is revoked. Other provisions include limiting the Prosecutor General’s influence over NABU, ensuring SAPO’s institutional independence, and simplifying prosecutor appointment procedures.

NABU stated it participated in drafting the bill and assured that the document “will restore all powers and guarantees of independence for NABU and SAPO.”

Background

On the evening of July 22, President Zelenskyy signed a law limiting NABU and SAPO’s independence.

The law was passed swiftly that day after amendments, unrelated to NABU or SAPO, were added to a bill prepared for its second reading. The Rada quickly approved it and sent it to Zelenskyy for immediate signing.

The day before, NABU and SAPO staff faced mass searches, with several detectives being charged for alleged offenses ranging from aiding Russia to assisting oligarchs. The head of the Security Service of Ukraine insisted NABU needed to be “cleansed of Russian influence.”

NABU responded that even if individual employees were found guilty, such cases “cannot justify dismantling anti-corruption institutions.”

The controversial law sparked protests by thousands in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, with participants chanting, “Veto the law,” “Bring back Europe,” and “Shame.”