Public anger has erupted in Ukraine after new legislation stripped key anti-corruption agencies of their independence, sparking mass protests and international concern.
President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law transferring oversight of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) to the prosecutor general—a presidential appointee. The move, backed by a parliamentary majority, has drawn sharp criticism from activists, Western allies, and ordinary citizens who fear it will roll back years of progress in combating graft.
Protests Erupt Across Ukraine
Thousands took to the streets in Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipro, and other cities, defying martial law restrictions on gatherings. Demonstrators held signs reading “Shame” and “Corruption lives—the future dies,” comparing the law to authoritarian overreach. Many see it as a return to the era of pro-Russian leadership, when corruption ran rampant.
Zelensky, acknowledging public discontent, pledged to submit a revised bill but offered no specifics. Meanwhile, Western leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, demanded explanations, stressing that anti-corruption reforms are crucial for Ukraine’s EU membership bid.
Why This Matters
NABU and SAPO, established under EU pressure in 2014, have been instrumental in high-profile corruption cases, including the arrest of a Supreme Court chief and investigations into ex-officials. Critics argue that placing them under presidential control risks political interference, undermining their effectiveness.
Ukraine’s Corruption Perceptions Index ranking, though still low, had improved significantly since these agencies were created. Now, there are fears that backtracking could jeopardize the country’s European integration—a key goal since the 2014 revolution.
International Reaction
Germany and France have warned that the law could hinder Ukraine’s EU path, while NABU and SAPO officials say their ability to fight corruption has been compromised. Meanwhile, as Ukraine battles Russian aggression, some protesters argue they now face a dual threat: external invasion and internal democratic erosion.
With tensions escalating, the coming days will test whether the government heeds public demands or doubles down on a decision many see as a step backward.
