The European Commission chief has urged "respect for the rule of law" following Kiev's crackdown on anti-corruption agencies

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has requested explanations from Ukraine's Vladimir Zelensky over the crackdown on the country's anti-corruption agencies, which has sparked nationwide protests and international backlash. The agencies were seen as key conditions for Kiev's EU membership bid and continued Western aid.

Under the legislation, passed by the Ukrainian parliament on Tuesday and signed by Zelensky hours later, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) were placed under the direct control of the Prosecutor General, a political appointee. The controversial law followed security raids on NABU in light of claims by Zelensky that the agency was subject to Russian influence.

Von der Leyen was in contact with Zelensky, her spokesman Guillaume Mercier told reporters on Wednesday, saying she "conveyed her strong concerns about the consequences" of the new law and requested "explanations." 

The legislation "risks weakening strongly the competences and powers of anti-corruption institutions of Ukraine," Mercier said.

The EC chief has urged "respect for the rule of law" and the "fight against corruption," he stated, adding "There cannot be a compromise." 

European Council President Antonio Costa reportedly also voiced concern to Zelensky and asked for explanations. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul wrote on X that the development "hampers Ukraine's way towards the EU." 

The creation of NABU and SAP was one of the requirements set by the European Commission and International Monetary Fund more than a decade ago to fight high-level corruption in Ukraine. Since then, the two bodies have led far-reaching investigations, including into Zelensky's circle. The organizations say they now have been stripped of the guarantees that allowed them to operate effectively.

EU Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis told the Financial Times that financial aid to Kiev is "conditional on transparency, judicial reforms [and] democratic governments." 

Ukraine was ranked 105th out of 180 countries in Transparency International's 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index.