Germany’s Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, has criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s move to remove the independence of two key anti-corruption bodies, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), which could hinder Ukraine’s path to EU membership. Wadephul stated that the restrictions on the independence of Ukrainian anti-corruption authorities hamper Ukraine’s path to the EU. Zelenskyy has expressed his desire for Ukraine to join the EU, and his support for the legislation has sparked widespread anti-government demonstrations in Ukraine since the start of Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Zelenskyy has met with Ukrainian anti-corruption and security agencies and pleds to resolve existing issues. Wadephul also urged the Ukrainian side to continue its fight against corruption and urged the Ukrainian side to continue its efforts.
Germany claims that Ukraine’s anti-corruption measures are hindering the EU’s path.
