This was stated by retired U.S. Army General and former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe Wesley Clark in an interview on Espreso TV."I would also like to address another issue, and that is the concern in the West about a possible weakening of anti-corruption measures in Ukraine. ​​Your friends in the West are deeply concerned that any action undermining the work of Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions could jeopardize continued support," he said.Clark emphasized that having an honest government and effectively combating corruption are key conditions for maintaining trust and support from Western partners."Many were encouraged to see the thousands who took to the streets in protest when attempts were made to weaken the Anti-Corruption Commission.Reversing those attempts is critically important, and I understand that it may require new legislation in the Rada. Ensuring the integrity and independence of the Anti-Corruption Commission remains a key priority," the general added.He noted that international observers are closely monitoring whether the Ukrainian government adheres to democratic principles and standards, particularly in the area of anti-corruption policy."For instance, questions are being raised about the pipeline that transports oil across Ukraine to Hungary. People are asking who profits from this transit and what it implies. They also want to know whether this matter is being investigated by the Anti-Corruption Commission," Clark summed up.BackgroundOn July 22, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed into law a bill previously passed by Parliament that curtails the powers of NABU and SAPO, effectively placing them under the authority of the Prosecutor General. The legislative process was marked by confusion: the presidential signature appeared, disappeared, and then reappeared on the official record of the bill, No. 12414.Following the vote, thousands of Ukrainians staged peaceful demonstrations in major cities, demanding that Zelenskyy veto the law, which they say seriously undermines Ukraine’s anti-corruption infrastructure.The European Union also raised alarm. EU spokesperson Guillaume Mercier called the law a setback, stressing that NABU and SAPO are vital to anti-corruption reforms and must operate independently to maintain public trust and move Ukraine closer to EU membership.European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen personally urged Zelenskyy to provide explanations, stating that compromising on the rule of law is unacceptable, especially given Ukraine’s EU candidacy. Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos called the move a “serious step backward” and warned it could harm Ukraine’s accession prospects. French and German officials also voiced concern, urging Kyiv to revise the law and preserve institutional independence.On July 24, Ukrainian lawmakers registered a new bill aimed at restoring the autonomy of NABU and SAPO. That same day, President Zelenskyy approved the text of a separate draft law, which he submitted to Parliament, pledging to reinforce law enforcement and guarantee the agencies’ independence. Both NABU and SAPO confirmed they had participated in crafting the bill, which restores their procedural powers and legal protections.On Thursday, July 31, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine passed draft law No. 13533, aimed at strengthening the powers of the NABU and SAPO, initiated by President Zelenskyy. Shortly afterward, Zelenskyy signed it into law. The legislation was later published in the official government newspaper Holos Ukrainy.