Ukraine's Rada Restores NABU and SAPO Independence After July 2025 Protests Over Law 12414
Updated
Updated · Kyiv Independent · May 15
Ukraine's Rada Restores NABU and SAPO Independence After July 2025 Protests Over Law 12414
3 articles · Updated · Kyiv Independent · May 15
July 31, 2025, marked a reversal in Kyiv as the Verkhovna Rada passed a new law restoring full independence to NABU and SAPO after curbs imposed under Law No. 12414.
Thousands of protesters had taken to the streets nationwide after the Rada approved the earlier law on July 22 and President Volodymyr Zelensky signed it, forcing lawmakers to retreat.
The restored powers are presented as proof that Ukraine's anti-corruption system can still target top officials, with recent scrutiny of former presidential office chief Andriy Yermak cited as a test case.
Public pressure for deeper reform remains strong: 74% of Ukrainians said reform efforts were insufficient in summer 2025, including 86% dissatisfied with anti-corruption work, while 83% backed EU membership in February 2026.
The episode underscores how EU-backed institutions and domestic mobilization now jointly shape Ukraine's reform path even as the war with Russia continues.
When 54% of Ukrainians fear corruption more than war, can the government's new strategy finally build lasting public trust?
As Ukraine's anti-corruption laws impress the OECD, what is stopping it from achieving full and accelerated EU membership?
With Zelensky's powerful ex-aide facing charges, can Ukraine's anti-corruption bodies finally prove that no one is above the law?
Ukraine’s 2025 Anti-Corruption Crisis: How Mass Protests and International Pressure Forced the Reversal of Law 12414
Overview
In July 2025, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy signed Law 12414, which removed the independence of the country’s main anti-corruption agencies, NABU and SAPO. This sparked widespread public outcry and mass protests—the largest since Russia’s 2022 invasion. Responding quickly to the unrest, Zelenskyy reversed his decision within a day and the government passed Law No. 13533, restoring the agencies’ autonomy. This episode showed that even during wartime, Ukraine’s leadership is responsive to public pressure and committed to maintaining democratic reforms, highlighting the strong influence of civil society and the importance of anti-corruption efforts for Ukraine’s future.