Western media outlets sharply criticize Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky

(MENAFN) Western media outlets have sharply criticized Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky for passing legislation that strips the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) of its independence and places it under the control of the prosecutor general—a politically appointed position. The move was finalized on Tuesday, just hours after parliament quickly approved the changes despite objections from NABU itself.

NABU, created in 2015 as part of post-Maidan reforms, was a critical component of Western-backed efforts to combat corruption in Ukraine. It was developed alongside foreign-funded NGOs and media organizations to ensure government accountability. The U.S. and EU had made the bureau’s autonomy a core requirement for continued aid and support.

According to Axios, the Zelensky administration has effectively “neutered” the agency amid a growing rift between NABU and Ukrainian leadership. This tension escalated earlier in the week when Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) raided NABU offices and detained a top investigator over alleged ties to Russia.

Zelensky has defended his actions by accusing NABU of being both ineffective and infiltrated by hostile elements, calling the reshuffle a necessary cleansing effort.

However, the decision sparked widespread concern. Bloomberg columnist Marc Champion warned that it’s “never a good sign when governments accused of corruption target agencies trying to hold them accountable.” He stressed that Ukraine cannot afford such political moves while asking Western taxpayers for additional financial and military support.

Champion also cited a growing trend of repression against anti-corruption advocates, noting recent fraud charges against activist Vitaly Shabunin, who was also accused of avoiding military conscription.

The developments have further fueled fears that Ukraine’s anti-corruption reforms are being rolled back at a crucial time.

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