Rival draft law in Ukraine aims to reassert NABU and SAPO autonomy

MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak announced the move, saying, “Yes, we’ve submitted the bill to repeal all provisions that would dismantle NABU and SAPO. It will be available on Parliament’s website soon.” He noted that 48 MPs from various factions — including Holos, Servant of the People, European Solidarity, and Batkivshchyna — have signed on.

Meanwhile, Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Freedom of Speech, confirmed that a vote is expected soon. “The bill to restore NABU and SAPO’s independence has 48 cross-party signatures. It's being registered. Tomorrow we can vote,” he wrote, adding, “If we’re in turbo mode, then let’s go full turbo. Your move, Mr. President.”

Opposition MP Inna Sovsun earlier pointed out that protests and a parliamentary blockade did not stop President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from signing a controversial law seen as undermining anti-corruption efforts. “The only fast-track way to reverse this is by passing a new law that nullifies all the disgraceful amendments in Bill No. 12414,” she said, noting that the alternative draft was written overnight.

The bill’s tracking number is 1947711, and its registration number is 170768.

President Zelenskyy responded by announcing plans for his own version of a bill. “I will propose a draft law to the Verkhovna Rada that will reinforce law enforcement institutions, ensure there’s no Russian influence or interference, and, importantly, guarantee full independence for our anti-corruption agencies,” he said, calling it a “presidential bill” aligned with Ukraine’s transformation strategy.

Background

On July 22, President Zelenskyy signed into law a bill previously passed by Parliament that restricts the powers of NABU and SAPO, placing them under the control of the Prosecutor General. The status of the bill’s signature was altered multiple times on the official site — initially marked as signed, then removed, and later re-added.

The vote sparked public outcry. Thousands of Ukrainians in major cities took to the streets demanding that Zelenskyy veto the bill, which they say undermines the country’s anti-corruption framework.

The European Union also voiced strong concerns. EU Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier emphasized that NABU and SAPO are “vital to Ukraine’s anti-corruption reforms” and must remain autonomous to uphold public trust and advance EU integration.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen personally urged Zelenskyy to explain his decision, stressing that the rule of law must not be compromised — especially as Ukraine moves toward EU membership.

EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos called the move a “serious step backward” that could jeopardize Ukraine’s accession process. France and Germany echoed the concerns, urging Kyiv to rethink the legislation and maintain institutional safeguards.

Overall, Brussels sees the law as a threat to Ukraine’s institutional resilience, democratic path, and continued Western support — particularly in the context of war and EU candidacy.