Ukraine has witnessed its first major anti-government protests since Russia’s invasion in 2020 as President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bill that grants oversight to the prosecutor general over two key anti-corruption agencies. The move has sparked widespread outrage, with critics arguing it will undermine the independence of these agencies and hinder Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union.
The bill, which was approved by parliament earlier this week, transfers power from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) to the prosecutor general. Critics claim that this move will allow the prosecutor general to influence investigations and shut down cases, effectively crippling these agencies.
Protests erupted in Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro, and Odesa on Tuesday, with hundreds of young people gathering in the capital to voice their disapproval. The protests continued on Wednesday evening, with demonstrators waving signs that read “Why do I need a system that doesn’t protect me?” and “People are giving their lives for our future, and the authorities are destroying it.”
The Ukrainian branch of Transparency International, a leading anti-corruption group, had previously urged Zelensky to veto the bill. The group warned that the new law would destroy Ukraine’s independent anti-corruption institutions and undermine trust with international partners.
Marta Kos, the European Union’s top official in charge of admitting new member states, expressed concerns over the law, stating that it is a “serious step back” for Ukraine’s path to EU membership. The American Chamber of Commerce also criticized the move, saying it threatens the independence of Ukraine’s anti-corruption infrastructure and undermines trust in its efforts.
Zelensky had campaigned on a promise to rid his country of corruption, but critics argue that this bill is an empty promise. The president has faced criticism for firing senior officials over corruption allegations during the war and for instigating anti-corruption measures.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/23/europe/ukraine-corruption-agencies-protests-intl