Protests Erupt in Ukraine as Zelensky Undermines Anti-Corruption Agencies

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky faces mass protests and global condemnation after signing a controversial bill that critics argue dismantles the country's anti-corruption framework, placing significant power in the hands of the prosecutor general.

Protests erupted across Ukraine following President Volodymyr Zelensky's signing of a contentious bill aimed at curtailing the independence of anti-corruption bodies. Critics, including activists and international observers, argue that the legislation compromises the authority of key anti-corruption institutions such as the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (Sapo), placing them under the control of the prosecutor general, a known Zelensky ally.

During his address, Zelensky defended the law, claiming it would ensure both agencies could operate free from "Russian influence." However, he acknowledged that numerous corruption cases had become stagnant, with billions in potential misconduct unresolved for years. The passing of the bill incited hundreds of demonstrators to gather in Kyiv, marking the most significant anti-government demonstration since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Supporters of the protest held placards, with one reading, "We chose Europe, not autocracy,” capturing widespread discontent.

The chief prosecutor, Ruslan Kravchenko, now has the authority to redirect corruption investigations, potentially to less scrutinizing personnel, and has the power to terminate ongoing cases. This legislative shift is seen as a departure from Ukraine's long-standing commitment to anti-corruption measures, which had been integral to its democratic aspirations following the Euromaidan protests against pro-Russian governance.

The recent actions taken against Nabu and Sapo raised alarm within Ukraine's Western allies, who have historically supported Ukraine's anti-corruption efforts as a prerequisite for financial assistance and closer European ties. The European Union expressed concern over the implications of the new law, emphasizing that it undermines progress in transparency and democratic governance, crucial for Ukraine's EU accession application.

Moreover, criticism has come from the European commissioner for enlargement, Marta Kos, who characterized the bill's endorsement as a serious regression. G7 ambassadors echoed these concerns, signaling an intention to address the issue with Ukrainian officials. However, with Ukraine currently engaged in a conflict with Russia, allies may hesitate to withdraw support amid the ongoing war efforts.