Germany Warns Ukraine Anti-Corruption Rollback Threatens EU Membership

Foreign Minister says new law undermining independent agencies sparked protests and could derail Ukraine's European integration amid ongoing Russia talks

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned Wednesday that Ukraine's new legislation restricting anti-corruption agencies' independence will hamper the country's path to European Union membership. The controversial law, signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, places the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) under direct control of Ukraine's prosecutor general, triggering the first major anti-government demonstrations since Russia's invasion began in February 2022.

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The legislation represents a significant setback for Ukraine's EU aspirations at a critical juncture. By subordinating previously independent anti-corruption bodies to the prosecutor general—a position appointed directly by Zelenskyy—the move contradicts core EU requirements for judicial independence and transparent governance. These agencies have been instrumental in investigating high-level corruption cases and were established with strong international support as part of Ukraine's reform commitments.

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"The restrictions on the independence of the Ukrainian anti-corruption authorities hampers Ukraine's path to the EU," Wadephul told German news outlet Bild. "I expect Ukraine to continue its fight against corruption consistently." The German foreign minister discussed the issue directly with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Wednesday, urging Kyiv to maintain its anti-corruption efforts despite wartime pressures.

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The timing proves particularly sensitive as Ukraine's delegation, led by former defense minister Rustem Umerov, arrived in Istanbul for renewed talks with Russia. The negotiations at Ciragan Palace, with Russia's team headed by Vladimir Medinsky, began at 7 p.m. local time. Ukraine's ability to demonstrate democratic reforms and anti-corruption progress could strengthen its negotiating position and international support.

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Widespread protests erupted across Ukraine following Zelenskyy's approval of the legislation, marking an unprecedented show of domestic dissent during wartime. Demonstrators expressed concerns that consolidating anti-corruption oversight under political control would enable abuse of power and undermine

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