Zelenskyy Faces Nationwide Protests Over Law Restructuring Anti-Corruption Agencies

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is facing widespread protests after signing a law that brings the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) under the authority of the Prosecutor General's Office. Demonstrations erupted in Kyiv and other cities, with some protesters defying curfews imposed due to ongoing Russian attacks.

The legislation, passed by parliament with support from Zelenskyy's party and several opposition groups, has drawn criticism from anti-corruption activists and international partners. Transparency International Ukraine described the move as a significant setback for anti-corruption reforms and a threat to Ukraine's aspirations for European Union membership. A European Commission spokesperson warned that continued EU funding is contingent on progress in transparency and judicial reforms.

Zelenskyy defended the law, stating on Telegram that the changes are intended to eliminate Russian influence within anti-corruption institutions and ensure justice. > "The anti-corruption infrastructure will work. Only without Russian influences -- everything needs to be cleansed of this. And there should be more justice," he wrote.

Some lawmakers expressed reservations about the bill's impact on Ukraine's EU negotiations. Oleksandr Merezhko, chair of the parliament's foreign affairs committee, said he supported the president but acknowledged concerns about the law's consequences for relations with European partners. > "I'm personally in favor of the independence of the anti-corruption bodies. But I'm also in favor of the true rule of law of the state in Ukraine," Merezhko said.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko joined the protests, arguing that the law undermines democracy and the rule of law. He stated on Telegram that the measure "definitely does not bring Ukraine closer to the European Union. It certainly does not bring it closer to democracy, the rule of law, and legality."

The law's passage comes as Ukraine prepares for new ceasefire talks with Russia in Istanbul. Critics warn that centralizing control over anti-corruption agencies could weaken oversight and erode public trust at a critical time for the country.