U.S. Senators warn against undermining anti-corruption progress in Ukraine
That is according to a joint statement by the Senators, Ukrinform reports.
They noted that Ukraine has made remarkable strides on its anti-corruption agenda since the Revolution of Dignity, even while fighting against Russian aggression — which is a testament to the extraordinary determination of the Ukrainian people.
“The Verkhovna Rada’s recent passage of a law, signed by President Zelensky, we fear undermines much of that progress and goes against Ukraine’s tremendous fighting spirit as well as the expectations of Ukraine’s citizenry and the international community,” the statement reads.
The Senators pointed out that corruption is one of the most frequently cited arguments for ending support for Ukraine. Shaheen and Graham urged the Ukrainian government to refrain from taking any actions that would undermine anti-corruption efforts.
“There continues to be significant bipartisan support for Ukraine and agreement that it is in Ukraine’s interest – and our own – to meet the expectations of its citizenry and ensure that governance structures guarantee Ukraine’s economic prosperity and future U.S. investments,” the Senators emphasized.
As Ukrinform reported, on July 22 the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine passed legislation that reduces the powers of NABU and SAPO. President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the bill into law that same day.
Members of Parliament have since begun collecting signatures and preparing a submission to the Constitutional Court to challenge the law.
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