Experts demand a transparent competition for the director as part of DBR reform.

Why the State Bureau of Investigation needs restructuring

According to Espreso.tv: Daria Kaleniuk, Executive Director of the Anti-Corruption Action Center, has called for a comprehensive overhaul of the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR). According to her, the reform must include an open and transparent selection process for the agency’s director, with international experts involved, as well as a full re-certification of all current staff. These measures, she argues, are essential to boost the DBR’s performance and restore public trust in its operations. Ukraine’s commitments to the European Union explicitly require such reforms.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pledged to submit a draft law on DBR reform, but Kaleniuk noted that no such proposal has yet been delivered. The reform legislation must be passed by December 31 of this year. The DBR was established after the Revolution of Dignity to ensure more transparent and effective investigations.

'Even though Volodymyr Zelenskyy promised to present his bill on DBR reform by the end of January, the president has still not submitted any draft law.' — Daria Kaleniuk

On July 7, DBR officers conducted investigative actions in a criminal case concerning the possible artificial inflation of costs for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This incident underscores the urgency and significance of reforming the bureau to strengthen anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine.

Why DBR reform matters

Given Ukraine’s obligations to the European Union, restructuring the DBR is a critical step toward building a rule-of-law state and increasing citizens’ confidence in law enforcement. A lack of legislative progress could harm Ukraine’s international reputation and delay the implementation of key domestic reforms.