Cries of ‘Shame!’ rang out in the Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, today as lawmakers from Volodymyr  Zelensky’s Servant of the People Party, backed by most opposition parties, voted to bring key independent anti-corruption agencies under government control. The new law, which was backed by 263 lawmakers with just 26 opposing or abstaining, has sparked widespread condemnation from many politicians and civil society activists who had previously been loyal champions of Zelensky’s. The dismemberment of the national anti-corruption bureau (NABU) and the special anti-corruption prosecutor’s office (SAPO) has also caused deep disquiet among Ukraine’s leading international backers.

Zelensky’s government seems to have seriously miscalculated the mood of ordinary Ukrainian people.

‘Seriously concerned over today’s vote in the Rada,’ tweeted European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. ‘The dismantling of key safeguards protecting NABU’s independence is a serious step back. Independent bodies like NABU and SAPO, are essential for Ukraine’s EU path. Rule of law remains in the very centre of EU accession negotiations.’

Toomas Hendrik Ilves, president of Estonia from 2006-12, described the move as ‘a complete disaster’ that will ‘fuel all those in Europe who think helping Ukraine is pointless, not to mention the whole Russian narrative of Ukrainians just stealing the West’s assistance for private enrichment, a narrative we have fought for years.’

The Rada vote came days after........

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