Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasized the country’s commitment to building a robust anti-corruption framework during a recent interview with British journalist Piers Morgan. He acknowledged the ongoing challenges posed by corruption but asserted that the government is actively addressing these issues.
In his remarks, Zelensky stated, “I strive to be as honest as possible in everything and with everyone. I know I make mistakes, like anyone trying to achieve something in life. When newspapers and media in Ukraine or elsewhere report on corruption cases, my response is: we are fighting this, and while such cases exist, we are constructing a significant anti-corruption infrastructure.”
The president also pointed out that Russia seeks to exploit these difficulties to create divisions within Ukrainian society and apply pressure on the state. He noted, “It is clear what is happening and what Russia is doing. I believe that Americans largely sense this. They can distinguish between truth and falsehood, misinformation and real issues in Ukraine.”
Previously, in an interview with Atlantic, Zelensky did not attribute the dismissal of former presidential office head Andriy Yermak to corruption, citing other reasons for the decision. In November 2025, he commented on a National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) investigation into corruption within Energoatom, known as Operation Midas, stating that those involved in energy sector schemes must face inevitable punishment.
On July 22, 2025, the Ukrainian parliament passed bill No. 12414, which included provisions that undermined the independence of NABU and SAP. The Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, signed the bill, which was subsequently approved by President Zelensky. During his address, he asserted that the anti-corruption infrastructure would function effectively, free from “Russian influences” that need to be eradicated.
“Of course, NABU and SAP will operate. It is crucial that the Attorney General is committed to ensuring that there is real accountability for those who violate the law in Ukraine,” Zelensky stated.
Following the passage of this legislation, protests erupted in several Ukrainian cities, with citizens demanding the restoration of independence for anti-corruption agencies. In response, Zelensky proposed his own bill, No. 13533, aimed at fully restoring the powers of NABU and SAP. This proposal stipulates that the Attorney General and their deputies cannot issue directives to SAP prosecutors. The initiative received support from anti-corruption agencies.
The European Union welcomed this legislative initiative, describing it as a “long-awaited step towards restoring the independence of anti-corruption bodies.” EU officials urged the Ukrainian parliament to pass the bill swiftly and to refrain from implementing controversial provisions.
On July 31 of the same year, the Rada voted in favor of Zelensky’s legislative initiative, reinstating the independence of anti-corruption agencies.
President Zelensky has reiterated Ukraine's commitment to anti-corruption measures while addressing recent legislative changes that challenged the independence of key agencies. His government is under scrutiny for corruption but aims to strengthen its anti-corruption infrastructure through new legislation and public support.