Ukrainians Protest New Law Threatening Anti-Corruption Agency

Thousands of Ukrainians took to the streets in Kyiv on Tuesday, voicing their opposition to recent legislation signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky that undermines the country’s leading anti-corruption agency. This was the first major public protest since the onset of martial law following Russia’s invasion in February 2022, making such demonstrations technically illegal.

About 2,300 young people gathered near the Ivan Frank Theatre in the city’s heart. According to a reporter from Kyiv Post, many were emotional, expressing a desire not to return to the days of Viktor Yanukovych—a pro-Russian leader whose reign was marked by widespread corruption. His removal during the 2014 Euromaidan uprising set in motion events leading to the current conflict.

The demonstrators carried signs with messages like “Reject the law,” “Protect the anti-corruption system,” and “Support corruption? Go to hell.” Another popular chant essentially meant “I’m not a sucker,” a nod to a well-known remark from President Zelensky.

One protester, Ole Simoros, a military veteran, critiqued those in power, stating, “They’ve chosen to protect their inner circle instead of upholding Ukrainian democracy.” He lamented that instead of showcasing zero tolerance for corruption, the president was using his influence to shield his allies from scrutiny.

The contentious Bill 12414, signed by Zelensky, strips the independence of the National Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Anti-Corruption Public Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), placing them under the prosecutor’s office and, effectively, under the president’s control. Since their establishment in 2015, these agencies have been crucial for investigating high-profile politicians.

NABU warned that if the bill is enacted, it would reduce its head to a nominal role and subject the agency to direct orders from prosecutors. This could potentially lead to the cessation of investigations against powerful figures if their orders are not complied with.

Even with the bill’s passage, NABU has continued its work; it recently filed a bribery claim against a senior official of the Security Services (SBU)—the Ukrainian equivalent of the FBI—just before the SBU accused some NABU officials of being Russian agents. Critics argue that Zelensky’s moves to curtail NABU and SAPO’s powers seem aimed at consolidating his influence and protecting his associates from accountability.

Zelensky defended these measures by alleging that NABU officials were colluding with Russia to obstruct investigations. “The anti-corruption infrastructure cannot be compromised by Russian influence,” he stated, asserting that dormant cases need addressing without delay.

While acknowledging the protests on Wednesday morning and claiming he’d consider their concerns, Zelensky indicated a determination to proceed with the law. He remarked on the need for justice and the effective functioning of institutions, emphasizing that his government is attentive to public sentiment.

The European Commission expressed skepticism about the new law, with President Ursula von der Leyen stressing that Ukraine must uphold European Union standards regarding the rule of law and anti-corruption measures as it seeks EU membership. Other EC and EU officials have raised alarms that failing to meet these standards could severely hinder Ukraine’s aspirations to join the bloc.

“Ukraine belongs to Europe,” said an EU official, underlining that support for the nation should not equate to a blank check for its government’s actions.