Zelenskiy Under Fire: Ukraine Erupts in Protest Over New Law Undermining Anti-Corruption Agencies
Ukraine’s President Zelenskiy is under fire for passing a law that weakens anti-corruption agencies. Protests erupt as international backlash grows.
NewsSutra
Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is facing a wave of national and international criticism after signing a controversial law that significantly weakens the independence of the country’s anti-corruption institutions. The move, passed through Parliament with little public debate, has ignited mass protests across the country and raised serious concerns among European Union officials and international watchdogs about the future of Ukraine's democratic integrity.
The new law, critics argue, undermines years of progress in rooting out corruption, one of Ukraine's most enduring and destabilizing problems. Protesters in major cities, including Kyiv, Lviv, and Kharkiv, have taken to the streets in the tens of thousands, accusing Zelenskiy of backsliding on promises of transparency, justice, and alignment with EU values.
What the New Law Changes
At the center of the controversy is the legislation passed on July 20, 2025, which redefines the structure, oversight, and powers of Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).
Key changes include:
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Executive Oversight: The President’s Office now has direct influence over the appointment and dismissal of NABU’s director, weakening its independence.
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Budgetary Control: Parliament and the Cabinet of Ministers will now have enhanced control over funding allocations for anti-corruption agencies.
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Judicial Review Powers: The new law allows for court-ordered intervention in ongoing corruption investigations, raising alarm about political interference.
Zelenskiy’s administration claims the law is intended to “streamline oversight” and “ensure accountability,” but critics view it as a thinly veiled power grab meant to shield allies and loyalists from scrutiny.
Public Reaction: Streets Filled with Outrage
Within hours of the law’s passage, protests erupted outside the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) and quickly spread to other regions. In Kyiv, Independence Square was flooded with demonstrators holding signs reading “No to Corruption Laws,” “Hands Off NABU,” and “We Won’t Be Silenced.”
Young professionals, civil society activists, students, and even former military personnel have joined the demonstrations. Many see this not just as a legal issue, but as a fundamental betrayal of Ukraine's post-Maidan democratic commitments.
A 26-year-old protester in Kyiv, Olena Makarova, said, “We fought in 2014 for a country free of corruption. Now our president is undoing that work. We feel betrayed.”
Why This Law Matters So Much
Ukraine’s anti-corruption bodies were formed in the aftermath of the 2014 Revolution of Dignity, which ousted then-President Viktor Yanukovych and sparked demands for reform, accountability, and a European future.
Institutions like NABU and SAPO were established as independent entities, meant to operate free from executive influence. Over the years, they have investigated and prosecuted numerous high-profile figures, including judges, government officials, and even members of Parliament.
Their credibility has been a cornerstone of Ukraine’s efforts to secure EU membership, international aid, and favorable trade agreements. The weakening of these institutions sends a dangerous signal not only to the Ukrainian people but also to Western allies who have invested heavily in Ukraine’s democratic transformation.
International Fallout: EU and NATO Express Concern
Zelenskiy’s decision is already straining diplomatic relationships. EU leaders have issued stern warnings, saying the new law could jeopardize Ukraine’s long-sought membership status and billions in aid packages earmarked for governance reforms and post-war reconstruction.
While the EU stopped short of imposing immediate sanctions or suspending financial support, insiders suggest that further funding could be delayed or restructured unless the law is repealed or amended.
NATO officials have also expressed unease, noting that transparency and civilian oversight are key requirements for deeper cooperation. With Ukraine still aspiring to full NATO membership, the perception of backsliding on corruption could prove detrimental to its long-term security goals.
Zelenskiy’s Justification
In a televised address following the backlash, President Zelenskiy defended the legislation, stating: “Ukraine remains committed to fighting corruption. This law does not dismantle our anti-corruption bodies but aligns them with international standards of oversight.”
He accused his critics of politicizing the issue and implied that some anti-corruption institutions had become too powerful and unaccountable. However, these justifications have done little to calm public anger.
Many observers see the move as part of a broader trend in which Zelenskiy has centralized power during wartime under the guise of national unity, sidelining critics and consolidating control over the judiciary, media, and civil institutions.
The Role of Civil Society and Whistleblowers
Ukraine’s vibrant civil society, one of the most active in Eastern Europe, has played a critical role in monitoring corruption and pushing for transparency. NGOs such as the Anti-Corruption Action Center and Transparency International Ukraine have released blistering reports on the new law, labeling it “a direct assault on judicial independence and investigative integrity.”
Whistleblowers within NABU have anonymously spoken to independent journalists, warning that the new law will force them to seek presidential approval for high-level investigations—effectively neutering their mandate.
A former NABU official, speaking under condition of anonymity, stated, “We built a system that could catch even the untouchables. That system is being dismantled from the top.”
Legal Challenges and Political Ramifications
Ukraine’s Constitutional Court is now reviewing the legality of the new legislation following emergency petitions from opposition parties and civil society organizations. Some lawmakers argue that the law violates constitutional guarantees of institutional independence and due process.
Politically, this may mark a turning point in Zelenskiy’s popularity. Once hailed as a reformer and national hero—particularly during the early years of Russia’s invasion—his approval ratings have dipped amid accusations of authoritarianism and mismanagement.
Opposition leader Iryna Hrytsenko called the law “the beginning of a democratic rollback,” adding, “Zelenskiy cannot be allowed to exploit the war for unchecked power.”
What Happens Next
The coming weeks will be crucial. Protest movements are growing in size and coordination, and international observers are watching closely. Pressure is mounting on Zelenskiy to either repeal the law or introduce amendments that restore the independence of Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions.
If the law remains in force, it may seriously impact Ukraine’s ability to secure further Western aid, jeopardize its EU candidacy, and undo years of painstaking reform work.
Ukraine, long seen as a battleground not only for sovereignty but for democratic values, now faces a moral crossroads. At stake is not just a piece of legislation—but the soul of a nation struggling to rise from the ashes of war into a future defined by justice and integrity.
