The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, has sharply criticized a controversial bill passed by Ukraine’s parliament that threatened the independence of the country’s anti-corruption agencies.
Newsroom (01/08/2025, Gaudium Press ) Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, has sharply criticized a controversial bill passed by Ukraine’s parliament that threatened the independence of the country’s anti-corruption agencies, warning that it risks undermining public trust and international support. The remarks come as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, facing intense pressure, announced plans to reverse the legislation.
In a July 27 video address, Shevchuk described the passage of Bill 12414 as a move that “created dangerous social tensions, undermining public trust in the authorities and shaking the confidence of our international partners.” The bill, endorsed by lawmakers, altered the operational framework of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), effectively curbing their autonomy.
Public outcry was swift. On July 22, protesters gathered in Kyiv and other cities, urging Zelenskyy to veto the bill. Despite initially signing it into law, citing the need to eliminate “Russian influence” from Ukraine’s anti-corruption framework, Zelenskyy reversed course amid mounting domestic and international criticism. On July 31, he submitted a new bill to parliament aimed at restoring the independence of NABU and SAPO while introducing safeguards against foreign interference.
Shevchuk, a prominent moral voice in Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion, has used his platform to rally Ukrainians against corruption, which he called “moral sabotage” in his weekly address on Zhyve TV, a Church-owned outlet. “It is a crime against our state, our defense capabilities, and the resilience of the Ukrainian people,” he said, emphasizing that fighting corruption aligns with Ukraine’s European aspirations and honors the 107 lives lost during the 2014 Maidan protests, which ousted pro-Kremlin President Viktor Yanukovych.
“This law has stirred the conscience of Christians and responsible citizens alike,” Shevchuk said, urging dialogue between leaders and society to prevent internal divisions from weakening Ukraine’s defense against external threats. He praised young protesters for their activism but called for restraint to avoid harming the nation’s war efforts.
Corruption remains a persistent challenge for Ukraine, ranked 105th out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, though the organization noted progress in anti-corruption efforts. Shevchuk’s call for unity and reform underscores the delicate balance Ukraine must strike as it navigates domestic governance and international alliances amid ongoing conflict.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from the UGCC and Pillar
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