The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), which represents nearly two million Ukrainians in the United States, has called on the Ukrainian government to prevent the weakening of the country’s anti-corruption institutions and to urgently revise recently passed legislation with full consideration of civil society's position. The concern centers around Law No. 12414, which changes the reporting structure of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).
This was reads in an official UCCA statement.
"Ukrainians continue to demonstrate that democracy is not suspended during war. They expect discipline in governance and integrity in law. Their response to the adoption of Draft Law No. 12414 (now Закон № 4555-IX) reflects civic responsibility, not unrest. That instinct, even under fire, is what distinguishes Ukraine from the authoritarian state that seeks to destroy it,” the statement reads.
The UCCA welcomed the response of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who publicly acknowledged public concerns and announced plans to submit a corrective legislative proposal. According to the Committee, this is an important signal that the people's voice is being heard.
At the same time, the organization emphasizes that the law in its current form places NABU and SAPO under the authority of the Prosecutor General, which undermines the principle of institutional independence and poses serious risks to public trust—both domestically and among international partners.
“Perception has consequences. Ukraine’s path toward membership in the European Union and NATO depends not only on success on the battlefield, but also on institutional trust. The perceived or real weakening of the anti-corruption framework could shake international confidence and jeopardize continued assistance—precisely at a time when unity and support are critically needed,” the Committee stressed.
The UCCA has been engaged in long-standing advocacy work in the U.S. Congress, securing consistent support for Ukraine in the defense, economic, and humanitarian spheres. However, such support is contingent upon trust in the integrity of Ukrainian institutions.
“This also has domestic consequences. Tens of thousands of Ukrainians have given their lives for freedom, dignity, and justice. Institutions like NABU and SAPO were created to protect these ideals. Undermining them risks weakening the connection between the state and the people. This war is being fought not only with weapons, but also with law, policy, and public trust,” the organization stated.
Therefore, the UCCA calls on Ukraine’s leadership to:
- Eliminate the structural risks embedded in Law No. 12414;
- Draft a revised version in cooperation with civil society, the leadership of NABU and SAPO, and international partners;
- Reaffirm its commitment to the European and Euro-Atlantic path.
“Ukraine’s courage on the battlefield must be matched by clarity and consistency in governance. The rule of law and institutional independence are not distractions from the war. They are the foundation of victory,” the UCCA concluded.
Photo: Suspilne
Author: Inna Mikhno