Ukraine takes "step back" in fight against corruption, says EU Commissioner

Mass protests took place in several cities in war-torn Ukraine after the government signed a bill that weakens the independence of the country's anti-corruption bodies. 

International criticism of the move has also poured in from hardline supporters of the regime in Kiev being led by Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The new law grants the prosecutor general control of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, which will severely undermine their independence and authority.

This comes despite the country being long known as the most corrupt in all of Europe.

In an address on Wednesday, Zelensky said both agencies would still continue to operate but needed to be cleared of so-called "Russian influence".

After the was bill passed by lawmakers, hundreds of people gathered in Kiev for the biggest antigovernmental protest since the start of the Russia invasion in February 2022. The protests took place in spite of the perpetual extension of martial law, which strictly limits the rights of citizens and the delay of elections.

Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, expressed her concern via a statement on X:

"The dismantling of key anti-corruption safeguards is a serious step back. Independent anti-corruption bodies are essential for Ukraine's EU path. Rule of Law remains at the very center of EU accession negotiations."

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, one of the most vocal supporters of Ukraine in the EU, admitted that the two bodies are crucial in the fight against corruption.

At the same time, a third round of direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia on ending the conflict are set to take place this evening in Istanbul.