Protests Erupt in Ukraine Over Anti-Corruption Law

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is encountering significant public unrest, marking the first major protests since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began. This wave of demonstrations is primarily against his recent efforts to undermine anti-corruption monitoring agencies.

On Thursday, large crowds of protesters assembled in Kyiv, as well as in Lviv, with smaller gatherings in Dnipro and Odesa, all voicing their opposition to a controversial bill that was passed. This legislation, which Zelensky signed into law on Tuesday, grants the Prosecutor General’s Office direct control over the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).

NABU and SAPO were both established after the pro-Western Maidan Revolution in 2014, aiming to tackle corruption in a country long viewed as one of the most corrupt in Europe. There have been various corruption allegations tied to many of Zelensky’s close associates, and even to Zelensky himself.

This shift represents a significant move away from legitimizing these agencies, which could jeopardize Ukraine’s long-term ambitions of joining the European Union. The EU has made it clear that Ukraine needs to bolster its anti-corruption measures for membership consideration.

Transparency International’s Ukraine branch criticized the new law for being “a massive setback in anti-corruption reform” and warned it posed a “direct threat to Ukraine’s path to the EU.”

In response to the new law, the Security Service of Ukraine launched numerous raids targeting NABU staff and investigating SAPO’s management of state secrets. Following public backlash, Zelensky indicated he might reconsider his support for the legislation, claiming it was intended to “protect the agencies from Russian influence.”

“We all hear what society says,” Zelensky noted. “We see what people expect from state institutions to ensure justice and the effectiveness of each institution.”

He added, “Next week there will be an in-depth meeting regarding the general action plan,” suggesting a collaborative approach to strengthen Ukraine and address current issues.

Zelensky reassured that “the anti-corruption infrastructure will work,” emphasizing the need to cleanse it of foreign influences.

“Of course, NABU and SAPO will function, ensuring accountability for those who violate the law is crucial,” he stated.

Concerns persist among many Ukrainians regarding Zelensky’s control over the anti-corruption agencies. An unnamed former official remarked, “We’re not losing the war due to a shortage of Western weapons. It’s corruption and mismanagement that are driving the issue.”

Activist Vitaliy Shabunin expressed worries that the new law would enable the prosecutor general to suppress investigations involving officials close to the president.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko joined the protests, asserting that the law “definitely does not align Ukraine with European values, democracy, or the rule of law—principles for which our soldiers are sacrificing their lives.”

He further criticized supporters of the bill for “dragging Ukraine into authoritarianism,” all while undermining anti-corruption institutions.

Klitschko acknowledged issues with independence and legal processes in law enforcement but insisted that reforms should focus on improvement, not dismantling existing institutions.

Concerns Over Potential Power Grab

Critics argue that the recent law may serve as a shield for Zelensky’s allies, especially as both NABU and SAPO were reportedly investigating individuals in his inner circle. Legal experts worry that placing these agencies under a politically appointed prosecutor general could undermine their impartiality and ability to hold powerful officials accountable.