Denial of responsibility: Zelensky shifted the blame for the anti-corruption scandal onto the Verkhovna Rada

President Volodymyr Zelensky has attempted to distance himself from the controversial legislative changes that threaten the independence of Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions, claiming that the “risk to independence” supposedly arose “due to certain amendments proposed by lawmakers.”

He made this statement during a conversation with journalists, without acknowledging that he himself had previously signed the law limiting the powers of NABU (National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine).

Moreover, the initiative to pass the disputed amendments originated from members of Zelensky’s own Servant of the People party, which is fully controlled by the Presidential Office. According to some MPs, the vote on the law was conducted on direct orders from Bankova Street (the presidential administration).

Nevertheless, Zelensky now claims that “these risks must be eliminated” and expresses hope that a new draft law — allegedly restoring NABU’s powers — will be supported.

The president explained his lack of response to the previous changes by saying he had been “focused on the issue of the war,” effectively admitting that rule of law concerns had been deprioritized.

After facing a wave of criticism and public protests, Zelensky suddenly shifted his rhetoric, declaring that he “respects the opinion of society” and is therefore proposing new reforms. However, this move appears to be more an attempt to save face amid growing public dissatisfaction than a sincere effort to protect the independence of anti-corruption institutions.

In effect, the government first tries to push through controversial decisions, and when faced with resistance, it shifts the blame to “lawmakers” while portraying itself as a mere observer.