Latest news with #UkraineParliament
The Sun
14 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Brawl in Ukraine parliament as anti-corruption bill passes after biggest anti-Zelensky protests since war forced U-turn
A BRAWL has erupted in Ukraine's parliament as Volodymyr Zelensky U-turned on an anti-corruption bill. The brave President has walked back curbing the power of anti-corruption bodies after protests hit the country. 7 7 7 Two MPs began scrapping as the bill to repeal the week-old change was going through the Verkhovna Rada today. An MP in a white t-shirt and another spectacled MP in a navy polo shirt threw fists at the start of the livestream of the session. The pair appear to argue before the man in navy throws a punch and hits the man in white's armpit. The man in white then slaps the man back before other MPs quickly jump in and break the pair up. Although the reason for the scuffle was not known, it occurred amid a tense atmosphere in the chamber. MPs voted 331 to 0 in favour of the bill to restore the independence of the bodies which are a check on corruption. Zelensky had last week passed a measure to place the watchdogs under the oversight of the prosecutor-general. However, Ukrainians took to the streets and allies of Ukraine, including the EU and human rights groups, decried the measure. Zelensky said his goal had been to speed up prolonged investigations, ensure more convictions and remove Russian meddling in investigations, which he didn't detail. He said he had taken note of the protests and decided to present a new bill to Parliament underscoring that the prosecutor general and his deputies cannot give orders to anti-graft agencies or interfere in their work. Putin strikes Ukraine maternity ward in another outrageous snub to Trump Fighting corruption is crucial for Ukraine's aspirations to join the EU and join the Western bloc of wealthy, allied countries. It is also key to maintaining access to billions of dollars of vital Western aid in the nearly 3-year all-out war. Zelensky had warned that the bill needed to be passed in order to clear the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) of "Russian influence". The offices of the two agencies were raided by Ukraine's security services on Monday after infiltration allegations from Moscow emerged. 7 7 But many civilians strongly disagreed with his beliefs saying the bill now gives Zelensky ultimate power over independent bodies. After the bill passed, thousands of people came together in the capital of Kyiv to take part in the biggest anti-government protest since the start of Russia's barbaric invasion in February 2022. Though the protests didn't call for the president's removal, the controversy threatened to undermine public trust in their leaders at a critical time. EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, who called last week's legislative changes a serious step back, welcomed approval of the bill, saying lawmakers had corrected last week's damaging vote. She wrote on X: "Today's law restores key safeguards, but challenges remain, Kos, who monitors the record of countries that are candidates to join the bloc. "The EU supports (Ukrainian) citizens demands for reform. Upholding fundamental values & fighting corruption must remain the priority." Zelensky speaks following repeal Volodymyr Zelensky has spoken out following the repeal of the law. He said: "I want to thank all members of parliament for passing my bill – now officially a law, as I have just signed the document. The text will be published immediately. "This is a guarantee of the proper independent functioning of Ukraine's anti-corruption bodies and all law enforcement agencies. "It ensures the absence of any external influence or interference, including through regular polygraph checks for all law enforcement personnel who have access to state secrets or have relatives in Russia. This is the right decision. "It is very important that the state listens to public opinion. That it hears its citizens. Ukraine is a democracy – without a doubt." It comes after Russia launched its latest barrage of missiles and kamikaze drones at Ukraine. Nine people were killed around the country, including six in Kyiv. One of those was tragically a six-year-old boy. President Volodymyr Zelensky posted a video of burning ruins, saying people were still trapped under the rubble of one residential building. He said: "Kyiv. Missile strike. Directly into a residential building. People under the rubble. All services are on site. Russian terrorists." The brave leader later added: "Today, the world once again saw Russia's response to our desire for peace, shared with America and Europe. 7 7 "New, showcase killings. That is why peace without strength is impossible." Heartbreaking scenes saw rescuers carrying the dead child across the rubble of the collapsed nine-storey apartment building in the Sviatoshynskyi district of Kyiv. Russia said on Thursday it had captured the town of Chasiv Yar in eastern Ukraine after nearly 16 months of fighting. The advance, if confirmed, would mark a significant gain for Moscow's forces and could enable them to press on towards key "fortress" cities in the Donetsk region, including Kostiantynivka, Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. What is the anti-corruption controversy in Ukraine? PRESIDENT Volodymyr Zelensky backed and passed a new law limiting the independence of Ukraine's two key anti-corruption institutions. The bill was passed last week with the support of 263 lawmakers, with 13 voting against it and 13 abstaining. The law brought the formerly independent National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office under the lead of the prosecutor general of Ukraine, Ruslan Kravchenko. It came after the offices of the two agencies were raided by Ukraine's security services after infiltration allegations from Moscow emerged. Ruslan is now able to transfer cases from the agencies and reassign prosecutors. Zelensky believes the change will speed up the process of finalising cases as well as stamp out any alleged Russian influence. But the head of NABU says the bill will "destroy" Ukraine's anti-corruption infrastructure. Protesters took to the street for the first time since the Russian invasion and said the law should be withdrawn. Fighting corruption is crucial for Ukraine's aspirations to join the EU and join the Western bloc of wealthy, allied countries. Following the protests and international outcry, Zelensky committed a U-turn and has now back a repeal of the law which passed today.
CTV News
16 hours ago
- Politics
- CTV News
Ukrainian Parliament approves law ensuring independence of anti-graft watchdogs
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses online the opening of the Helsinki+50 Conference in Helsinki, Finland, Thursday, July 31, 2025. (Mikko Stig/Lehtikuva via AP) KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine's Parliament on Thursday overwhelmingly approved a bill presented by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that restores the independence of two of the country's key anti-corruption watchdogs, reversing his contentious move last week that curbed their power and brought an outcry. Last week's measure by Zelenskyy to place the watchdogs under the oversight of the prosecutor-general prompted an outcry from Ukrainians, the European Union and international rights groups. It raised fears that the government could meddle in investigations and potentially shield its supporters from scrutiny. Fighting entrenched corruption is crucial for Ukraine's aspirations to join the EU and maintain access to billions of dollars of vital Western aid in the nearly 3 1/2-year all-out war. It's also an effort that enjoys broad public support. The backlash brought street protests across the country that were the first major demonstrations since Russia's full-scale invasion began on Feb. 24, 2022. Though the protests didn't call for Zelenskyy's removal, the controversy threatened to undermine public trust in their leaders at a critical time. Russia's bigger army is accelerating its efforts to pierce Ukraine's front-line defenses and is escalating its bombardment of Ukrainian cities. There is also uncertainty over how much additional weaponry Ukraine's Western partners can provide and how quickly. The EU issued a sharp rebuke to last week's anti-graft changes, with Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos calling it 'a serious step back.' The Ukrainian branch of Transparency International also criticized the legislation, saying it weakened one of the most significant reforms since what Ukraine calls its Revolution of Dignity in 2014. Zelenskyy said his goal had been to speed up prolonged investigations, ensure more convictions and remove Russian meddling in investigations, which he didn't detail. He said he had taken note of the protests and decided to present a new bill to Parliament underscoring that the prosecutor general and his deputies cannot give orders to anti-graft agencies or interfere in their work. Lawmakers in the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian Parliament in Kyiv, approved Zelenskyy's new proposal with 331 votes and nine abstentions on Thursday, official figures showed. Illia Novikov, The Associated Press
Al Arabiya
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Ukrainian parliament approves law ensuring independence of anti-graft watchdogs
Ukraine's Parliament on Thursday overwhelmingly approved a bill presented by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that restores the independence of two of the country's key anti-corruption watchdogs, reversing his contentious move last week that curbed their power and brought an outcry. Last week's measure by Zelenskyy to place the watchdogs under the oversight of the prosecutor-general prompted an outcry from Ukrainians, the European Union, and international rights groups. It raised fears that the government could meddle in investigations and potentially shield its supporters from scrutiny. Fighting entrenched corruption is crucial for Ukraine's aspirations to join the EU and maintain access to billions of dollars of vital Western aid in the nearly 3½-year all-out war. It's also an effort that enjoys broad public support. The backlash brought street protests across the country that were the first major demonstrations since Russia's full-scale invasion began on Feb. 24, 2022. Though the protests didn't call for Zelenskyy's removal, the controversy threatened to undermine public trust in their leaders at a critical time. Russia's bigger army is accelerating its efforts to pierce Ukraine's front-line defenses and is escalating its bombardment of Ukrainian cities. There is also uncertainty over how much additional weaponry Ukraine's Western partners can provide and how quickly. The EU issued a sharp rebuke to last week's anti-graft changes, with Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos calling it a serious step back. The Ukrainian branch of Transparency International also criticized the legislation, saying it weakened one of the most significant reforms since what Ukraine calls its Revolution of Dignity in 2014. Zelenskyy said his goal had been to speed up prolonged investigations, ensure more convictions, and remove Russian meddling in investigations, which he didn't detail. He said he had taken note of the protests and decided to present a new bill to Parliament, underscoring that the prosecutor general and his deputies cannot give orders to anti-graft agencies or interfere in their work. Lawmakers in the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian Parliament in Kyiv, approved Zelenskyy's new proposal with 331 votes and nine abstentions on Thursday, official figures showed.
Globe and Mail
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Globe and Mail
Zelenskyy announces new anti-graft bill in Ukraine after public outcry and EU criticism
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that he's sending a new anti-corruption bill to Ukraine's Parliament on Thursday, in a further attempt to defuse tensions after he approved changes to graft laws that brought a public outcry and sharp criticism from the European Union. Opponents of the contentious law passed by lawmakers and approved by Zelenskyy earlier this week said that it stripped Ukraine's anti-corruption watchdogs of their independence by granting the government more oversight of their work. Zelenskyy said that it was needed to speed up investigations, ensure more convictions and remove 'Russian influence' from the fight against corruption, though he didn't provide examples of Russian meddling. In an abrupt change of course on Thursday, Zelenskyy unexpectedly said that he had drawn up a new draft bill on corruption that 'guarantees the real strengthening of the law and order system in Ukraine.' 'The most important thing is real tools, no Russian connections, and the independence of the (watchdogs),' he said in a Telegram post. The declaration appeared to bow to recent pressure that threatened to undermine public trust in Ukraine's leaders after more than three years of fighting Russia's full-scale invasion. The protests haven't called for Zelenskyy's ouster, but they are the first major anti-government demonstrations since the war began. 'It is important that we maintain unity,' Zelenskyy said in his post. The announcement also left some questions unanswered. Zelenskyy had said Wednesday that he met with the heads of Ukraine's key anti-corruption and security agencies and gave them two weeks to make recommendations on how the graft law could be improved before he presented another bill to Parliament. Despite that assurance, further street protests were scheduled for Thursday evening. The new pronouncement also left unclear whether Zelenskyy intended to revoke the law that he approved earlier in the week after Parliament had passed it. He didn't publicize details about the proposed new law. The unrest has come at a difficult time in the all-out war, which began on Feb. 24, 2022. Russia's bigger army is accelerating its efforts to pierce Ukraine's front-line defenses and is escalating its bombardment of Ukrainian cities. Ukraine is also facing a question mark over whether the United States will provide more military aid and whether European commitments can take up the slack, with no end in sight to the war. Delegations from Russia and Ukraine met in Istanbul for a third round of talks in as many months Wednesday. But once again, the talks were brief and delivered no major breakthrough. Fighting entrenched corruption is crucial for Ukraine's aspirations to join the EU and maintain access to billions of dollars in Western aid in the war. It's also an effort that enjoys broad public support. EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos expressed concern Wednesday over the new law, calling it 'a serious step back.' The Ukrainian branch of Transparency International criticized parliament's decision, saying it undermines one of the most significant reforms since what Ukraine calls its Revolution of Dignity in 2014 and damages trust with international partners. Meanwhile, Russian planes dropped two powerful glide bombs on the center of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, on Thursday morning, regional Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said. At least 37 people were wounded, including a 28-day-old baby, a 10-year-old girl and two 17 year olds, authorities said. The southern city of Odesa, and Cherkasy in central Ukraine, were also hit overnight, authorities said. The drone and missile strikes on the cities wounded 11 people, including a 9-year-old, and damaged historic landmarks and residential buildings, officials said. Ukraine has sought to step up its own long-range drone attacks on Russia, using domestic technology and manufacturing. An overnight Ukrainian drone attack on the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi killed two women and wounded 11 other people, local authorities said Thursday. An oil depot was hit, officials said, without offering details. ___
Sky News
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
Demonstrations in Ukraine over controversial bill threatening anti-corruption bodies
Thousands of Ukrainians demonstrated against the passing of a controversial bill threatening anti-corruption infrastructure in their country. Ukraine's parliament passed the legislation that will roll back the autonomy of two key anti-corruption agencies, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed it into law, according to the parliament's website late Tuesday. Ukrainians took to the streets in cities like Kyiv and Lviv to protest against the bill earlier that day, marking the first major demonstration against the government in more than three years of war. Many carried banners reading "Protect the anti-corruption system, protect Ukraine's future" or "We are against it". "Corruption is a problem in any country, and it must always be fought," said Ihor Lachenkov, a blogger and activist who asked his more than 1.5million social media followers to join the protest. "Ukraine has far fewer resources than Russia in this war," he said. "If we misuse them, or worse, allow them to end up in the pockets of thieves, our chances of victory diminish. All our resources must go toward the fight." Critics said the new legislation could significantly weaken the agencies' independence and give Mr Zelenskyy's circle more sway over anti-corruption investigations. Some protesters said that the bill's passage appeared to be a greater moral blow than the regular Russian drone and missile attacks, while others accused Ukraine's leadership of prioritising loyalty and personal connections over the fight against corruption. Under the amendments, the prosecutor general - who has been appointed by Mr Zelenskyy - will gain strict control over investigations and cases handled by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO). The changes would also allow the prosecutor general to transfer cases from the agencies and reassign prosecutors. The agencies said this will cause the head of SAPO to "become a nominal figure, while NABU will lose its independence and turn into a subdivision of the prosecutor general's office". The passing of the bill could also impact Ukraine's bid to join the European Union, as fighting entrenched corruption is crucial both for EU ambitions and maintaining the war-torn country's access to billions of pounds in Western aid. The EU's Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos expressed concern over the vote in parliament, labelling it "a serious step back". She added: "Independent bodies like NABU & SAPO are essential for Ukraine's EU path." Mr Zelenskyy, whose party holds a majority in parliament, said in his nightly address on Tuesday that anti-corruption bodies would continue to function "but without any Russian influence". "It all must be cleansed. There must be more justice. Of course, NABU and SAPO will continue their work," he said. "It's also important that the prosecutor general be committed to ensuring real accountability for those who break the law. This is what Ukraine truly needs." The Ukrainian president said on Wednesday that he had gathered all heads of Ukraine's law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies, along with the prosecutor general, for a "frank and constructive conversation that truly helps". "We all hear what society is saying. We see what people expect from state institutions - ensured justice and the effective functioning of each institution," he wrote on X. "We discussed the necessary administrative and legislative decisions that would strengthen the work of each institution, resolve existing contradictions, and eliminate threats. Everyone will work together. At the political level, we will provide support." Mr Zelenskyy added that there with be an "in-depth working meeting on the joint action plan" next week, with the plan expected to be ready in two weeks. Following the meeting, the two anti-corruption agencies called for their independence to be restored and said that "clear and unambiguous steps at the level of the law are necessary, which will return the guarantees cancelled by the parliament". France's European Affairs minister, Benjamin Haddad, said on Wednesday that it was "not too late" for Ukraine to reverse its decision.
