Semen Kryvonos met with G7, EU ambassadors: No compromises when it comes to the independence of NABU and me as its director

The fight against corruption is important, and that is why we have supported and will continue to support NABU on this path. This was stated by the G7 and EU ambassadors during a meeting with the Director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine Semen Kryvonos.

"We are closely monitoring the implementation of reforms. After all, helping Ukraine in the fight against corruption is one of our priorities. Now more than ever, it is important to ensure the independence of anti-corruption institutions, their capacity, and active communication with society and international partners," said Matsuda Kuninori, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine.

"There are two wars: against russia and against corruption, and we equally support Ukraine in both," added Christopher Smith, Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Ukraine.

Addressing the ambassadors, Semen Kryvonos stressed that he would ensure the independence of investigations, the openness of staffing decisions, and organize work in a way that its results would be highly appreciated by Ukrainian society and international partners.

"Regardless of post and political affiliation, if a person is involved in the commission of a corruption crime, the case will be properly investigated and, if there are objective and sufficient grounds, sent to court. No compromises when it comes to the independence of NABU and me as its director," Semen Kryvonos emphasized.

Talking about the first steps in his position, Semen Kryvonos outlined a number of challenges that the National Bureau must cope with, preparing to counter and prevent corruption during the future reconstruction of Ukraine. These are, in particular: insufficient number of operational and technical personnel and detectives, problems with expert examinations in proceedings, and improvement of the crisis communications process.

"In order to increase the effectiveness of investigations, it is necessary to increase the staff by 300 employees, launch an expert institution at NABU, and ensure an appropriate material and technical base. In the implementation of these initiatives, I count on the support of partners," said the Director of the National Bureau.

In turn, First Deputy Director Gizo Uglava emphasized that NABU should be ready for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

"To take big steps, it is necessary to expand the staff and hire new employees as soon as possible," he said.

Semen Kryvonos expressed confidence in further fruitful cooperation and thanked international partners for their support: "I know the important role international partners played and continue to play in the life of NABU, how your support helps find a way out of the most difficult situations and circumstances. I sincerely thank you both as a citizen of Ukraine and as an official for believing in our victory and helping both on the anti-corruption and military battlefield."