UK offers Zelenskyy assistance in drafting law on anti-corruption institutions

Zelenskyy shared the update following a phone call with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

“I also spoke about the preparation of a bill aimed at strengthening the legal system and ensuring the independence and effectiveness of Ukraine’s anti-corruption infrastructure. Keir suggested involving experts who could contribute to long-term cooperation. We agreed to stay in contact on this matter,” Zelenskyy said.

“ We see eye to eye on the need to defend the values of a normal life, counter any Russian influence or interference, and do everything to make our Europe stronger,” he added.

The two leaders also discussed the third round of negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul. According to Zelenskyy, the sides reached a preliminary agreement on the next prisoner exchange.

“The Ukrainian delegation yet again emphasized the need for a ceasefire and proposed holding a meeting on the level of leaders by the end of August,” he noted.

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.

On July 23, Zelenskyy announced that he would introduce a new presidential bill to regulate law enforcement agencies.

“I will propose legislation to the Ukrainian parliament that will reinforce our law enforcement system, eliminate any Russian influence or interference, and — importantly — include all the provisions necessary to guarantee the independence of anti-corruption institutions,” Zelenskyy said. “This will be a presidential bill, and we will implement it as part of our national transformation strategy.”

However, on the morning of July 24, it was revealed that Ukrainian lawmakers had already registered their own alternative bill in Parliament aimed at restoring NABU and SAPO’s independence.