Ukraine’s potential Justice Minister Maslov defends judicial reform amid criticism

What happened

The Kyiv Independent reports that Denys Maslov, chair of Ukraine’s parliament legal policy committee and likely next justice minister, defends ongoing judicial reforms amid criticism. Maslov acknowledges delays but insists the reform process is continuing, balancing judicial accountability and independence.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. Maslov faces mounting pressure from the European Union to advance reforms, particularly regarding Supreme Court integrity. The court has long been a source of scandals, including the 2023 bribery conviction of former head Vsevolod Kniazev. The EU has sought audits of Supreme Court judges’ integrity declarations with international experts.

In June, Ukraine passed a judicial integrity declarations law requiring further legislation within six months to improve declarations oversight, including the Supreme Court, with independent expert participation. However, civil society watchdog Dejure criticizes the law for weakening accountability tools and condemns ongoing delays since 2023.

Known from the source

• Denys Maslov chairs Ukraine’s parliament legal policy committee responsible for court reforms.
• Maslov is widely expected to become the next justice minister as part of a government reshuffle.
• Ukraine passed a judicial integrity declarations law in June 2026 requiring further regulation within six months.
• Former Supreme Court head Vsevolod Kniazev was sentenced to prison for bribery in June 2026.
• The EU has urged audits of Supreme Court judges' integrity declarations involving international experts.

What remains unclear

Maslov attributes the delay partly to lack of consensus among international partners on audit methods and notes the need for lengthy discussions separate from other EU funding milestone requirements. Previous reforms, including a 2023 bill proposing new Supreme Court monitoring through the High Council of Justice, were halted after the Venice Commission expressed reservations.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Confirm Maslov’s official appointment as justice minister during the government reshuffle. Verify current official status and text of any new bills on Supreme Court integrity declarations. Check for official statements from the EU or international partners on progress or disputes regarding judicial audits.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Kyiv Independent. Open the source.