Thousands of people gathered in Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine on Tuesday to urge the president to veto a controversial bill that threatens anti-corruption infrastructure. After more than three years of war, this was the first significant protest against the government. Legislation passed by Ukraine’s parliament will tighten oversight of two key anti-corruption agencies, which could significantly weaken their independence and give President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s circle more control over investigations, according to critics. According to the website of the parliament, Zelenskyy signed the bill into law late on Tuesday. In order for Ukraine to continue receiving billions of dollars in Western aid and join the European Union, it is essential to fight endemic corruption. In Ukraine, the passage of the legislation has sparked public outrage, with some claiming that it appeared to be a more moral blow than the regular Russian drone and missile attacks. The changes would give the prosecutor general more authority over cases and investigations handled by the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU). According to a joint Telegram statement, “in effect, if this bill becomes law, the head of SAPO will become a nominal figure, while NABU will lose its independence and become a subdivision of the prosecutor general’s office.” In a post on X, the EU’s Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos expressed concern over the vote in the parliament, called the Rada, calling it “a serious step back.” Kos continued, “For Ukraine’s EU path, independent bodies like NABU and SAPO are essential.” Rule of Law remains in the very center of EU accession negotiations.” While rallies have taken place during the war in Ukraine, they have largely focused on the return of prisoners of war or missing people. In spite of this, protests are still a common method of exerting public pressure in Ukraine, where two previous revolutions were ultimately successful for the people. “Corruption is a problem in any country, and it must always be fought,” said Ihor Lachenkov, a blogger and activist who urged people to join the protest through his social media platforms, which reach more than 1.5 million followers.
He stated, “In this war, Ukraine has far fewer resources than Russia.” Our chances of success diminish if we misuse them or, even worse, allow them to end up in the pockets of thieves. The fight requires the use of all of our resources. The Ukrainian chapter of Transparency International criticized the decision made by parliament, stating that it undermines one of the most significant reforms since Ukraine’s “Revolution of Dignity” in 2014 and damages trust with international partners. The organization urged Zelenskyy to veto the law, noting that if he did not, he would share responsibility with the Rada for “dismantling Ukraine’s anti-corruption infrastructure.” Signs reading “Veto the law,” “Protect the anti-corruption system, protect Ukraine’s future,” or simply “We are against it” were carried by many protesters. The crowd was characterized by a sense of rage and dissatisfaction among the war-weary Ukrainians. Some protesters accused Ukraine’s leadership of prioritizing loyalty and personal connections over the fight against corruption.
“Those who swore to protect the laws and the Constitution have instead chosen to shield their inner circle, even at the expense of Ukrainian democracy,” said veteran Oleh Symoroz, sitting in a wheelchair because both his legs were amputated after he was wounded in 2022.
He stated, “The president is using his power to take control of criminal cases involving his allies, rather than setting an example of zero tolerance for corruption.” Two NABU officials were detained by Ukraine’s domestic security agency on Monday on suspicion of having ties to Russia, and other agency employees were searched for unrelated allegations. Zelenskyy’s office didn’t respond to a request for comment. The president reorganized his wartime Cabinet last week, widely regarded as a move that further consolidated power within his inner circle.
Zelenskyy faces protests in Ukraine over anti-corruption oversight bill
