Protests Erupt in Ukraine After Zelensky Compromises Anti-Corruption Agencies

President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent law reducing the independence of Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office has sparked widespread protests. Critics warn that this move could undermine Ukraine's efforts towards European integration and raise concerns over corruption.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is facing mounting criticism and public demonstrations after signing a controversial bill that strips the country's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (Sap) of their independence. This new law places these anti-corruption agencies under the direct control of the prosecutor general, an appointee of the president, a move Zelensky claims is necessary to "cleanse" them from stagnation and Russian influence.

The law, which passed with the support of 263 MPs out of 324, has been met with widespread disapproval from the public, with thousands taking to the streets outside the president's office in Kyiv. Protests also erupted in cities across Ukraine, including Odesa, Dnipro, Lviv, and Sumy, despite the ongoing threat of attacks from Russia.

Since the full-scale invasion by Russia in 2022, these protests mark the first major anti-government demonstrations in Ukraine. Activists emphasize that the fight against corruption is crucial for Ukraine's aspirations of joining the European Union—a goal that has been pursued since the 2014 protests ousted pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych, leading to the establishment of Nabu and Sap in response to EU demands.

These institutions were critical in enabling Ukraine's progress toward EU candidacy status, which was granted in 2022, and have facilitated numerous investigations into corruption within the government. However, with the new legislation required to operate under presidential authority, there are fears that public trust in these agencies, already burdened by rampant corruption—Ukraine ranks 105 out of 180 in Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index—will suffer even more.

Critics have voiced that the reduction of autonomy for Nabu and Sap could protect high-profile officials accused of misconduct, signaling a possible shift towards authoritarian governance. Protesters, armed with placards stating "Corruption lives - the future dies," have mobilized against the legislation, and influential figures, including war veterans, have rallied support against what they perceive as a betrayal of democratic values.

European leaders have responded with concern, emphasizing that these developments may hinder Ukraine's path toward integration with the EU. In response to the protests, President Zelensky acknowledged public discontent but reiterated the necessity for unity against external threats from Russia. After discussions with Nabu and Sap officials, he promised to establish a joint corruption-fighting plan, while the two agencies condemned the curtailment of their independence as detrimental to their effectiveness.

As discussions with Russia continue in Istanbul, the focus for many Ukrainians remains firmly on their government's controversial legislative actions, raising questions about the balance between combating external aggression and maintaining internal accountability. “This is government lawlessness,” stated a Lviv resident, underscoring the struggle many face in navigating threats from both Russia and their own government.