Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a bill aimed at revoking the autonomy of key anti-corruption agencies, sparking widespread criticism and rare street demonstrations in the capital, Kyiv. The legislation grants the prosecutor general new authority over investigations and cases handled by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).
Critics argue that the bill consolidates power in Zelenskyy’s hands and will allow government meddling in high-profile corruption cases. The European Union has called the decision a “serious step back,” while hundreds gathered in central Kyiv to oppose the measure.
The protests in Kyiv were the largest since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, with demonstrators shouting “Veto the law!” and holding banners that read “Corruption Applauds.” Anastasia, a 26-year-old game designer, expressed her concerns about the bill, saying, “The bill is being rushed through… It is clear that this is a targeted effort.”
The bill’s passage through parliament drew sharp criticism from the heads of both NABU and SAPO, who argued that it would undermine the agencies’ independence and effectiveness in fighting corruption. Many influential Ukrainians also lashed out on social media, saying the move was a betrayal of Ukraine’s decade-long geopolitical ambition to join the EU.
Fighting corruption is crucial for Ukraine’s bid to join the EU and maintain access to billions of dollars in Western aid. Vladyslava Kirstyuk, an 18-year-old protester, emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, saying, “I know what it means for one person to have all the power, when nothing is transparent and everything is working against you… I don’t want it to be the same for us here.”
The move comes amid a broader context of Ukraine’s efforts to combat corruption and maintain its relationships with Western partners. NABU has uncovered widespread corruption, including among figures in Zelenskyy’s administration, and the agency’s independence has been seen as critical to its effectiveness.
The protests and criticism of the bill highlight the ongoing challenges facing Ukraine in its efforts to combat corruption and maintain its democratic institutions. As the country navigates its relationships with Western partners and Russia, the importance of transparency and accountability will remain a key issue.