Ukraine’s controversial restructuring of its anti-corruption agencies concerns the West.

The Ukrainian Parliament approved legislation that would strip the country’s anti-corruption agencies of their independence and could hinder efforts to combat high-level corruption. The changes effectively place the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) of Ukraine under the control of the Prosecutor General’s Office, whose head is loyal to the president.

This legislation is the latest indication that Zelenskyy’s government is eroding anti-corruption measures, with many activists accusing his wartime administration of adopting authoritarian tactics, reported Bloomberg.

At the same time, Ukraine’s NABU, responsible for investigating corruption among top officials, has faced unprecedented pressure after its employees have been accused of everything from aiding Russia to assisting oligarchs. Anti-corruption efforts have remained a top priority for international donors, including the IMF and the EU.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Taras Kachka, sought to reassure the EU during a call with European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, asserting that the new law, passed by the Ukrainian Parliament, does not threaten the independence of anti-corruption bodies and aligns with Ukraine’s EU commitments.