EU leaders harshly criticized Zelensky over the law on NABU and SAPO

European Union (EU) leaders harshly criticized Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in private conversations over his decision to sign a law that limited the powers of the national anti-corruption bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the specialized anti-corruption prosecutor’s office (SAP).

This was revealed in an interview with Politico by Ukrainian MP Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze.

“European leaders did not mince words with Zelensky in phone calls and private messages. Among other things, the Ukrainian leader was warned that the law would have consequences for Ukraine’s EU accession process,” the publication stated.

Politico noted that the public and private positions of European officials on the anti-NABU law differed, as official Brussels chose not to openly criticize the legislation.

On July 22, the Verkhovna Rada approved the law reducing the powers of the country’s anti-corruption bodies. Zelensky signed it the same day. The decision sparked protests in Ukraine and concern in Brussels over the move by Ukrainian authorities.