Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision to sign a law gutting his country’s anti-corruption agencies has drawn comparisons to former US President Donald Trump. The move, which allowed Zelensky’s allies to avoid prosecution, was justified by an invented conspiracy theory about Russian moles in the judiciary.
The backlash from Ukrainians was swift, with thousands taking to the streets of Kyiv in protest. Zelensky later introduced new legislation reversing the bill, but its passage is uncertain. This decision marks a significant retreat from Ukraine’s efforts to reform its institutions and crack down on corruption.
Zelensky’s actions reflect the changing landscape in the US’s approach to global corruption. Under Trump, the pressure for open governance has eased, and leaders around the world have taken notice. The erosion of anti-corruption agencies is part of a deliberate policy shift that prioritizes economic interests over democratic principles.
Source: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/07/zelensky-ukraine-anti-corruption-agencies/683672