NABU Chief Vows to Resist Pressure and Strengthen Independence.

Semen Kryvonos Addresses Parliamentary Commission

According to Novyny.live: During a January 15 hearing before the Temporary Investigative Commission (TIC) on defense, anti-corruption policy, and human rights, Semen Kryvonos, the Director of Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), called for bolstering the agency's defenses against political interference. He stressed the critical need for the bureau's independence, arguing it must be shielded from various forms of external pressure to conduct investigations effectively.

Kryvonos asserted that NABU would pursue its cases regardless of the nature of the pressure it faces.

"Pressure can manifest in many different forms," he noted.

"I believe that, irrespective of the form of pressure, we will continue to move forward and conduct pre-trial investigations, regardless of a suspect's position, political influence, or financial resources."

Call for an Independent Expert Body

Kryvonos also demanded the creation of an independent expert institution to help anti-corruption agencies perform their duties more efficiently. His testimony followed a high-profile search at the home of political figure Yulia Tymoshenko on January 13, an event that has intensified public focus on the pressures facing Ukraine's anti-corruption bodies. This context underscores the ongoing challenges within Ukraine's reform process, where anti-corruption institutions frequently operate under significant strain.

The director's statements signal NABU's firm intention to maintain autonomy in its probes and resist any attempts at interference from political or financial interests. Kryvonos's remarks reflect the tense climate surrounding anti-corruption reforms in Ukraine and the urgent need to protect investigative bodies from external influence. In an environment of persistent pressure, establishing an independent expert body could be a crucial step toward strengthening the nation's entire anti-corruption framework.