In an interview during the “United News” national telethon, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk stated that the new presidential draft law, submitted as a replacement for the high-profile Law No. 12414, represents a balanced step towards restoring the institutional independence of anti-corruption bodies, while also strengthening their protection from external influence. Commenting on preparations for the vote scheduled for July 31, Ruslan Stefanchuk emphasized that Parliament has heard the message from society and is ready to draw the appropriate conclusions.
“Following the adoption of the previous law, we received a response from both society and our international partners. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy promptly reacted and submitted a new draft law. It restores the independence of the NABU and the SAPO to the extent established by the law that came into force on January 1, 2024, while also introducing safeguards against external interference, particularly from the russian federation,” explained the Chairman of the Parliament.
According to him, this is a comprehensive solution that combines two key components: the effectiveness of the anti-corruption bodies and security guarantees. “We must ensure balance: independence from political influence — yes, but not independence from the law and the state. There can be no institutions operating without oversight, even if they enjoy the highest level of public trust,” emphasized Ruslan Stefanchuk.
He also noted that the new draft law received a positive assessment from the Verkhovna Rada’s Anti-Corruption Committee, was supported by European partners, and was well received by society. “This is a unifying decision that will allow us not only to overcome the current crisis but to emerge from it stronger,” Stefanchuk stated.
He further added that it was the Verkhovna Rada of the ninth convocation that adopted all the necessary legislation to establish the anti-corruption institutions and the current anti-corruption framework.
Speaking about the reaction of international partners, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine emphasized that he maintains constant communication with his European and American counterparts. According to him, the international community understands the rationale behind the decisions taken by Parliament, and the key expectation is the preservation of democratic principles.
“This support is not merely about finances. It is about supporting democratic and defense processes. And we cannot afford to undermine this trust,” Ruslan Stefanchuk stressed.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada devoted particular attention to the issue of the state budget. He noted that adjustments to the 2025 budget are currently being prepared, taking into account defense expenditures, and that the draft budget for 2026 is expected to be submitted in September.
“Almost all state revenues are directed toward the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This is a wartime budget. And the most important thing is to ensure that every hryvnia contributes to our victory,” he stated.
Regarding the possibility of tax increases in 2026, the Head of the Ukrainian Parliament emphasized that there are currently no such initiatives. He noted that the military levy has already been raised, and no further increases are planned. “This is a matter of shared responsibility. We are all jointly funding our army. And every citizen must understand this,” he stressed.
Speaking about the defense sector, Ruslan Stefanchuk noted that as early as this autumn, Ukraine will present new developments that will impress not only Ukrainians but the entire world. “We are transitioning to the role of a security provider. We possess unique technologies that are already attracting interest from our partners. These include drones, anti-drone solutions, and other systems currently being developed at the Technological Headquarters,” he explained.
Commenting on recent changes in the government, the Chairman of the Parliament emphasized that the key priorities for the new Cabinet are defense, economic resilience, social standards, and the safety of the civilian population. He specifically highlighted the merger of the Ministry of Defense with the Ministry of Strategic Industries, which is expected to shorten the logistical chain from identified needs to their implementation.
Regarding cooperation with international partners, Ruslan Stefanchuk reported on active communication with Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Mike Johnson and Ukraine’s participation in the upcoming G7 Speakers’ Summit.
“We are engaged in negotiations to intensify sanctions pressure, in particular regarding Senator Blumenthal’s bill on so-called ‘hellish sanctions’. This should deliver the painful blow that will force russia to come to the negotiating table,” he stated.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada also highlighted the efforts of France, whose partners are working on a draft law to confiscate frozen russian assets. “This could set a precedent for other countries — because it is russia that must pay for this war,” Stefanchuk emphasized.
Regarding the possibility of elections, he recalled that they are impossible during martial law, but Parliament has already developed the necessary legislative framework for when the situation changes.
“Our task is to ensure elections that both Ukrainian society and the international community can trust. Not a mere imitation, but genuine democratic elections,” he emphasized.
Commenting on the resumption of live online broadcasts of plenary sessions, Ruslan Stefanchuk reminded that broadcasts are currently conducted with a one-hour delay due to security requirements established by a Verkhovna Rada resolution.
“This is not my initiative — it is a decision of Parliament. But as soon as security risks are eliminated, Parliament will remain an open platform for every Ukrainian,” he assured.