Starmer suggests that Zelenskyy involve experts in preparing bill that guarantees independence of anti-corruption infrastructure

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer suggested that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy involve experts in preparing a bill that guarantees the independence and effectiveness of the anti-corruption infrastructure. Zelenskyy announced this on the Telegram channel, the Ukrainian News agency reports.

In particular, Zelenskyy spoke about a substantive telephone conversation with Starmer.

"Informed about the preparation of a bill that will strengthen the law and order system and guarantee the independence and effectiveness of the anti-corruption infrastructure. Keir suggested that experts be involved who could be useful for long-term cooperation. We agreed to be in contact on this issue. We equally perceive the need to protect the values of normal life, counteract any Russian influences and interference, and do everything to make our Europe stronger," the President noted.

He informed Starmer about yesterday's meeting of the Ukrainian delegation with the russian side in Istanbul, at which it was possible to agree on the next exchange of prisoners. Zelenskyy noted that the Ukrainian delegation once again emphasized that there should be a ceasefire and proposed holding a meeting at the level of leaders by the end of August.

They also discussed diplomatic work with partners in Europe and the United States to strengthen security.

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, Zelenskyy announced in an evening address on July 23 that he was preparing a bill that should strengthen the law and order system and guarantee the independence of anti-corruption agencies, the document will take into account proposals from law enforcement agencies and public expectations.

On July 22, the Verkhovna Rada adopted in the second reading Bill No. 12414, which subordinates anti-corruption agencies to the Prosecutor General, in particular, gives the Prosecutor General access to all NABU cases and the authority to independently sign suspicions against all top officials. Zelenskyy has already signed this law, it came into force on July 23.

NABU and SAPO asked Zelenskyy to veto this bill, which effectively subordinates them to the Prosecutor General and which, according to their statement, destroys the independence of both institutions and is the end of the independent work of the two anti-corruption institutions.

On July 22 and July 23, protests were held in Kyiv and other cities against the adoption of the bill, which reduces the independence of anti-corruption bodies.