In a surprising turn of events, protests have ignited in Kyiv against President Volodymyr Zelensky after he approved a new law that opponents assert compromises the country’s anti-corruption agencies.
Essentially, the law diminishes the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) by putting them under the thumb of the prosecutor general. This change raises red flags about governmental control over which corruption cases get investigated.
Why This Matters
This public outcry represents an unusual challenge to the leader during wartime, highlighting a potential decline in trust within Zelensky’s administration. There’s growing concern among civil groups and reform advocates who have worked hard since 2014 to revamp Ukraine’s governance to align it more closely with democratic standards favored by the West.
International support for institutions like NABU and SAPO has been strong, largely due to their role in ensuring Ukraine remains eligible for foreign aid and its prospects for joining the European Union.
The Protests Unfold
On Tuesday, Dmytro Koziatynskyi, a war veteran, led hundreds in opposition to the law, deeming it an “assault on the anti-corruption architecture” as reported by Ukrainska Pravda.
Koziatynskyi added, “Time is not on our side… We have to take to the streets tonight and push Zelensky to avoid slipping back into the oppressive days of Yanukovych! Let’s meet in the evening!”
For context, Viktor Yanukovych, a former president, was ousted from power in 2014 after widespread protests.
The law passed in Ukraine’s parliament, or Verkhovna Rada, on July 22, despite NABU and SAPO leaders pleading with Zelensky to veto it.
“I’m shocked this happened. It feels absolutely absurd. I have no clue what they’re thinking,” expressed protester Veronika Mol in a statement to The Guardian. “People hold the power in Ukraine, not this administration or its officials. It’s disheartening that we still have to remind them of that.”
Zelensky, defending the legislation, claimed that the anti-corruption bodies would still function effectively, asserting that they would operate free from any alleged Russian influence.
Voices from the Community
Guillaume Mercier, spokesperson for the European Commission, commented: “These agencies are key to Ukraine’s reform push and must operate independently to effectively tackle corruption and maintain public trust.”
He added, “For Ukraine’s EU aspirations to be realized, there must be a robust anti-corruption framework and strong institutional resilience. The EU will keep a close watch on this situation and will support Ukraine in maintaining the rule of law.”
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated: “We need to see more fairness. Absolutely, NABU and SAPO will persist in their efforts. It’s essential that the prosecutor general is truly committed to holding lawbreakers accountable. This is the transformation Ukraine truly requires.”
U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene shared her thoughts on X: “Massive protests in Kyiv against President Zelensky reveal frustrations over his leadership. People want change and an end to the war! America should stop providing funding and weapons!!”
What’s Next?
It remains to be seen how Zelensky will react to the widespread pushback against his new law.
Update 07/23/2025 08.30 a.m. ET: This article was updated to clarify that protests occurred in Kyiv.
