Brawl in Ukraine parliament as anti-corruption bill passes after biggest anti-Zelensky protests since war forced U-turn
The brave President has walked back curbing the
7
An MP wearing a white t-shirt slaps another one
Credit: Parliamentary TV-channel - RADA
7
The two MPs could be seen brawling in Ukraine's parliament
Credit: Parliamentary TV-channel - RADA
7
Another MP had to hold them apart
Two MPs began scrapping as the bill to repeal the week-old change was going through the Verkhovna Rada today.
An MP in a white t-shirt and another spectacled MP in a navy polo shirt threw fists at the start of the livestream of the session.
The pair appear to argue before the man in navy throws a punch and hits the man in white's armpit.
The man in white then slaps the man back before other MPs quickly jump in and break the pair up.
Read more on world
Although the reason for the scuffle was not known, it occurred amid a tense atmosphere in the chamber.
MPs voted 331 to 0 in favour of the bill to restore the independence of the bodies which are a check on corruption.
Zelensky had last week passed a measure to place the watchdogs under the oversight of the prosecutor-general.
However, Ukrainians took to the streets and allies of Ukraine, including the EU and human rights groups, decried the measure.
Most read in The US Sun
Zelensky said his goal had been to speed up prolonged investigations, ensure more convictions and remove Russian meddling in investigations, which he didn't detail.
He said he had taken note of the protests and decided to present a new bill to Parliament underscoring that the prosecutor general and his deputies cannot give orders to anti-graft agencies or interfere in their work.
Putin strikes Ukraine maternity ward in another outrageous snub to Trump
Fighting corruption is crucial for Ukraine's aspirations to join the EU and join the Western bloc of wealthy, allied countries.
It is also key to maintaining access to billions of dollars of vital Western aid in the nearly 3-year all-out war.
Zelensky had warned that the bill needed to be passed in order to clear the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) of "Russian influence".
The offices of the two agencies were raided by Ukraine's security services on Monday after infiltration allegations from Moscow emerged.
7
Protesters marched against the law change last week
Credit: Getty
7
Thousands took to the streets, marking the first protests since Russia's invasion
Credit: AP
But many civilians strongly disagreed with his beliefs saying the bill now gives Zelensky ultimate power over independent bodies.
After the bill passed, thousands of people came together in the capital of Kyiv to take part in the biggest anti-government protest since the start of Russia's barbaric invasion in February 2022.
Though the protests didn't call for the president's removal, the controversy threatened to undermine public trust in their leaders at a critical time.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, who called last week's legislative changes a serious step back, welcomed approval of the bill, saying lawmakers had corrected last week's damaging vote.
She wrote on X: "Today's law restores key safeguards, but challenges remain, Kos, who monitors the record of countries that are candidates to join the bloc.
"The EU supports (Ukrainian) citizens demands for reform. Upholding fundamental values & fighting corruption must remain the priority."
Zelensky speaks following repeal
Volodymyr Zelensky has spoken out following the repeal of the law.
He said: "I want to thank all members of parliament for passing my bill – now officially a law, as I have just signed the document. The text will be published immediately.
"This is a guarantee of the proper independent functioning of Ukraine's anti-corruption bodies and all law enforcement agencies.
"It ensures the absence of any external influence or interference, including through regular polygraph checks for all law enforcement personnel who have access to state secrets or have relatives in Russia. This is the right decision.
"It is very important that the state listens to public opinion. That it hears its citizens. Ukraine is a democracy – without a doubt."
It comes after Russia launched its latest
Nine people were killed around the country, including six in Kyiv.
One of those was tragically a six-year-old boy.
He said: "Kyiv. Missile strike. Directly into a residential building. People under the rubble. All services are on site. Russian terrorists."
The brave leader later added: "Today, the world once again saw Russia's response to our desire for peace, shared with America and Europe.
7
Russia is slowly advancing in the west of Ukraine
Credit: AP
7
Russia claims to have captured Chasiv Yar - with new footage showing it left in ruins
Credit: AP
"New, showcase killings. That is why peace without strength is impossible."
Heartbreaking scenes saw rescuers carrying the dead child across the rubble of the collapsed nine-storey apartment building in the Sviatoshynskyi district of Kyiv.
Russia said on Thursday it had captured the town of Chasiv Yar in eastern Ukraine after nearly 16 months of fighting.
The advance, if confirmed, would mark a significant gain for Moscow's forces and could enable them to press on towards key "fortress" cities in the Donetsk region, including Kostiantynivka, Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.
What is the anti-corruption controversy in Ukraine?
PRESIDENT Volodymyr Zelensky backed and passed a new law limiting the independence of Ukraine's two key anti-corruption institutions.
The bill was passed last week with the support of 263 lawmakers, with 13 voting against it and 13 abstaining.
The law brought the formerly independent National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office under the lead of the prosecutor general of Ukraine, Ruslan Kravchenko.
It came after the offices of the two agencies were raided by Ukraine's security services after infiltration allegations from Moscow emerged.
Ruslan is now able to transfer cases from the agencies and reassign prosecutors.
Zelensky believes the change will speed up the process of finalising cases as well as stamp out any alleged Russian influence.
But the head of NABU says the bill will "destroy" Ukraine's anti-corruption infrastructure.
Protesters took to the street for the first time since the Russian invasion and said the law should be withdrawn.
Fighting corruption is crucial for Ukraine's aspirations to join the EU and join the Western bloc of wealthy, allied countries.
Following the protests and international outcry, Zelensky committed a U-turn and has now back a repeal of the law which passed today.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Examiner
4 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
China-EU relations are now 50 years old
Fifty years ago, in the midst of the Cold War, visionary leaders from China and Europe showed remarkable political courage and strategic foresight by breaking through the rigid bloc confrontations of the time. In 1975, they established diplomatic relations between China and the European Economic Community — a historic step that opened the door to a relationship grounded in dialogue, co-operation, and mutual benefit. Over the past five decades, the results of this partnership have been truly remarkable. The 'win-win' nature of China–EU relations is clearly evident. The European Community, originally composed of just nine member states, has grown into the 27-member EU — a deeply integrated and influential global actor. Meanwhile, China has emerged as the world's second-largest economy. Bilateral trade has surged from $2.4bn in 1975 to an impressive $785.8bn today, while mutual investment has expanded from virtually nothing to nearly $260bn. Chinese investment has created more than 270,000 jobs in the EU. Co-operation now extends across a wide array of fields, including economy and trade, science, education, and culture. China has unilaterally granted visa-free access to citizens of 24 EU member states, and nearly 600 flights connect China and Europe each week. In 2024 alone, more than 9.7m people travelled between the two regions. Looking back, the development of China–EU relations has not been without its challenges. As the Chinese saying goes, 'A friend in need is a friend indeed'. Despite the EU's internal ups and downs or shifts in the global landscape, China's approach to its relationship with the EU has remained consistent and steady. China has always supported European integration and respects the EU's pursuit of strategic autonomy — welcoming a strong, prosperous, and stable Europe. During the European debt and financial crises, China extended its support by expressing firm confidence — famously declaring that 'confidence is more precious than gold' — and by purchasing large amounts of eurozone bonds. China's capital inflows and booming trade with Europe played a constructive role in the region's economic rebound. Following the UK's decision to leave the EU, China maintained its confidence in European unity. It dismissed the noise of Euroscepticism and Brexit-related anxieties, trusting in a smooth transition between the EU and the UK, while continuing to advocate for the stable and healthy development of China–EU ties. During the covid-19 pandemic, China stood in solidarity with Europe. Despite facing domestic shortages and pressure, China overcame logistical and supply challenges to donate and export large volumes of medical supplies to the EU and its member states, including Ireland. Between March 29 and April 26, 2020, Aer Lingus operated 259 cargo flights between Dublin and Beijing, transporting over 4,000 tons of medical supplies from China — the largest freight operation in the airline's history. These five decades have shown that China and the EU have the capacity to support and elevate each other — and even offer hope to the wider world. China's development has never been intended to challenge or even 'screw' the EU. On the contrary, it has always sought to respect and address EU concerns. On the Ukraine crisis, China has clearly stated its opposition to the use of nuclear weapons and attacks on civilian nuclear facilities. It has called for preventing escalation and spillover of the conflict and emphasised Europe's rightful role in resolving the crisis. Like EU, China is committed to a political settlement and supports Europe to build a balanced, effective, and sustainable European security architecture — one that can ensure lasting peace and prevent a repeat of war. On matters of trade and economic co-operation, China has taken tangible steps to address EU concerns. The number of sectors restricted to foreign investment has been significantly reduced — from 190 to just 29 — while efforts to ensure national treatment for foreign investors are steadily advancing. These measures have provided European businesses with broader access to a more open and rules-based Chinese market. In response to supply-chain concerns, such as those involving rare earth elements, China has introduced a 'fast track' mechanism for European companies. To address worries about trade diversion, China has agreed to a monitoring mechanism and introduced consumer goods upgrade and equipment renewal policies aimed at expanding domestic demand — concrete signs of China's goodwill and commitment. Over the past five decades, China and Europe have built experience and goodwill that will help us counter uncertainty and future challenges. Denying past achievements clouds our vision for the future. Disregarding the efforts of past generations is tantamount to denying our own progress. As two major forces promoting multipolarity, two massive markets supporting globalisation, and two great civilisations championing diversity, China and Europe have every reason to choose openness and co-operation. If we do, the global tide toward economic integration will remain unbroken. Looking ahead, China hopes to work with EU to uphold the post-war international order and multilateral trading system, providing much-needed global stability and certainty. Together, we can shape an even more promising next 50 years for China–EU relations. Zhao Xiyuan is the Ambassador of China to Ireland.
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Russia walks out of ballistic missile treaty with US as Medvedev warns nemesis Donald Trump & Europe ‘expect more'
The treaty banned missiles capable of hitting targets up to 3,400 miles away ROCKET MAN Russia walks out of ballistic missile treaty with US as Medvedev warns nemesis Donald Trump & Europe 'expect more' DMITRY Medvedev slammed NATO's 'anti-Russian policy' for driving Russia to scrap the Cold War-era moratorium on nuclear missiles. In his latest online clash with Donald Trump, the ex-Russian president ominously warned the West to 'expect further steps'. 5 The Kremlin announced on Monday it was withdrawing from its self-imposed ban on deploying mid- and short-range missiles Credit: Getty 5 Ex-President Dmitry Medvedev said Russia's withdrawal was 'the result of NATO countries' anti-Russian policy' Credit: AFP 5 Footage released by the Russian Defence Ministry on March 2024 purportedly shows the test firing of an ICBM Credit: AFP Medvedev's comments came shortly after Russia's Foreign Ministry said the country no longer regarded itself bound by the moratorium on the deployment of short- and medium-range nuclear missiles. The ex-president wrote on X on Monday: "The Russian Foreign Ministry's statement on the withdrawal of the moratorium on the deployment of medium- and short-range missiles is the result of NATO countries' anti-Russian policy. "This is a new reality all our opponents will have to reckon with. Expect further steps." The deputy head of Russia's powerful Security Council did not elaborate on the nature of the "further steps". The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty was signed in December 1987 by US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev. But the US withdrew from the treaty in 2019, accusing Russia of breaking the rules. Moscow has since said it will not deploy the missiles - with ranges of 311 to 3,418 miles - unless Washington does first. But Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned last December that Moscow would have to respond to what he called the US and NATO's "destabilising actions". The ministry said: "Since the situation is developing towards the actual deployment of U.S.-made land-based medium- and short-range missiles in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, the Russian Foreign Ministry notes that the conditions for maintaining a unilateral moratorium on the deployment of similar weapons have disappeared." It comes as Trump said on Friday that he had ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned to "the appropriate regions". Russia and China begin war games in Sea of Japan after Trump nuclear threat Trump and Medvedev have been locked in a war of words after the ex-Russian president accused Trump of 'playing the ultimatum game' over the White House's push to end the war in Ukraine. Trump first gave Putin 50 days to end the war - but slashed the deadline to just 10 days from July 29 due to a lack of progress on Moscow's part. The US president also vowed to impose secondary tariffs on Russia if a ceasefire agreement is not reached by August 8. Medvedev ominously warned Trump that Russia "isn't Israel or even Iran". 5 It comes as Trump ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned near Russia Credit: Getty 5 A photo taken from video released by the Russian Defence Ministry in August 2024 of a Russian Army Buk-2M missile system targeting Ukraine Credit: AP "Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war," he wrote on a post on X. Trump blasted Medvedev's comments as 'foolish and inflammatory' before ordering nuclear submarines to be deployed near Russian waters. "Based on the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, who is now the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions," Trump wrote on Truth Social. The US has the world's largest fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, led by the USS Virginia - a 377-foot vessel armed with cruise missiles.
Irish Times
9 hours ago
- Irish Times
The Irish Times view on the budget debate: striking a difficult balance
A clear danger is emerging in the run up to October's budget. It is that all the spare cash available will be spent as Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael each try to get as many of their own policies into the package as they can, with the Independents also pitching in. Rather than taking a balanced view of the outlook, the negotiations thus turn into a haggling exercise. There were media reports this weekend of – unnamed– ministers saying that the economic outlook had not changed much and the budget can go ahead as planned. In this context, pressure will come on, in addition to the €9.4 billion package of tax cuts and spending increases outlined in the Summer Economic Statement, to have additional once-off measures. Ministerial statements, while suggesting there will not be a full cost-of-live package, have become more equivocal on this point. Ministers may be correct to believe that the short-term budgetary outlook has not changed markedly, with the US and EU striking a trade deal. But two points are relevant here. The first is that the two sides have really just set a framework for future talks and a lot remains to be signed off. Also, a separate US investigation into the pharma sector carries danger for Ireland., The second point is that, as Gabriel Makhlouf, the governor of the Central Bank has said, the Government needs to be careful not to add further demand to an already strongly-growing economy. This is all the more the case given the significant planned increase in State investment. READ MORE The balance will be hard to get right. But it must err towards caution. As well as the short-term issues, the economy is now facing significant uncertainties over the next few years. The trade environment is far from settled and tensions between the US and EU may still emerge. Meanwhile, the US president is determined to attract pharma investment back to the US from countries such as Ireland and this could threaten both jobs and tax revenue. And that is before we consider a troubled and rapidly changing international political situation. Ignoring these factors and squabbling over budget giveaways is the wrong approach.
