Zelensky Restores Independence of Anti-Graft Agencies to Defuse Crisis

President Volodymyr Zelensky restored the independence of Ukraine's two main anti-corruption agencies on July 31, moving to defuse a political crisis that has shaken faith in his wartime leadership and worried Western partners.

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KYIV –

Thousands of protesters rallied in Kyiv and other cities in recent days in a rare show of discontent after lawmakers led by Mr Zelensky's ruling party rushed through amendments last week defanging the respected agencies.

Mr Zelensky reversed course after the outcry, under pressure from top European officials, who warned that Ukraine was jeopardising its bid for European Union membership by curbing the powers of its anti-graft authorities.

He signed a new Bill on July 31 shortly after lawmakers approved it 331 to 0, saying the legislation "guarantees the absence of any kind of outside influence (or) interference".

"Ukraine is a democracy – there are definitely no doubts," Mr Zelensky said on the Telegram app.