A shocking brawl broke out in the Ukrainian parliament as two MPs came to blows ahead of a vote to reinstate the independence of the country’s anti-corruption agencies. The bill, submitted by Volodymyr Zelensky last week, marked an embarrassing U-turn after a contentious legislation aiming to strip these organisations of their independence had been approved just days ago. Today, in Kyiv’s 450-seat legislature, MPs voted overwhelmingly in favour of the bill, with a landslide 331 to 0 vote.
Amid the tense atmosphere, two MPs were seen seemingly trading punches. Both men gestured at each other before each throwing a punch. They both failed to land another hit before being pulled apart by fellow lawmakers. It is not yet known what caused the fight, but it was broadcast live.
The Ukrainian prime minister, who is anticipated to sign the bill into law this evening, supported the reversal in hopes of resolving the largest political crisis of his presidency since the beginning of the unlawful Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Kyiv, and there was increasing pressure from top European officials.
The original bill had stripped the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) and its partner organisation the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (Sapo) of their independence.
The organisations would instead be placed under the control of the General Prosecutor’s Office, led by Zelensky loyalists and distrusted by many Ukrainians.
Mr Zelensky declared it was the “right decision” after the anti-corruption bill was passed into law, noting that “it is very important that the state listens to public opinion”, in response to the street protests.
He said: “This guarantees the normal, independent work of anti-corruption bodies and all law enforcement agencies in our country. It is the right decision.
“Ukraine is a democracy – there is no doubt about that. Government officials will also immediately inform Ukraine’s partners about this law.”
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said it was “a direct and responsible response to the expectations of Ukrainian society and our European partners”.
She added: “It confirms Ukraine’s commitment to democratic governance, the rule. of law, and institutional maturity.”
