July 23, 2025
Protests Erupt After Zelenskyy Passes Bill Restricting Anti-Corruption Agencies
A significant number of individuals congregated in Kyiv and across various Ukrainian cities following President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s enforcement of a debatable bill aimed at constraining the autonomy of two anti-corruption institutions.
The amendments confer the prosecutor general greater control over investigations and cases managed by both the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).
Opponents to the measure, among them certain EU officials, contend that such actions will significantly dilute the autonomy of both organizations and augment the Zelenskyy administration’s influence over probes.
“In effect, enactment of this bill would render the head of SAPO a legal figurehead, while NABU would surrender its independence and be absorbed into the prosecutor general’s office,” read a joint statement from the two agencies on Telegram.
Uncommon for a wartime protest, most of which have centered on advocating for the release of detained soldiers or lost individuals.
Protesters carried signs with messages such as “Veto the law” and “Safeguard the anti-corruption system, Protect Ukraine’s future.”
“Corruption poses a threat to any nation and must be vigorously combated,” proclaimed Ihor Lachenkov, a blogger and activist, who rallied over a million online followers to participate in the protests.
“Ukraine lacks the resources of Russia in this conflict,” he stated. “Should we misallocate them or, worse, have them pilfered by corrupt individuals, our chances of success wane. All resources must serve the cause of resistance.”
