Zelensky's Anti-Corruption Bill Sparks Protests and International Concern
Published 22 July 2025
Highlights
- President Zelensky signed a controversial bill that critics argue undermines Ukraine's anti-corruption bodies, sparking protests across major cities.
- The new law places the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) under the prosecutor general's control.
- International bodies, including the EU and G7, have expressed concern, citing potential setbacks in Ukraine's EU membership aspirations.
- Zelensky defends the bill, claiming it will eliminate Russian influence and improve efficiency in corruption investigations.
- Protests in Kyiv and other cities reflect public discontent, with demonstrators fearing a return to autocratic governance.
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Rewritten Article
Zelensky's Anti-Corruption Bill Sparks Protests and International Concern
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has ignited a storm of controversy by signing a bill that critics claim weakens the independence of the country's anti-corruption institutions. The legislation, which places the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) under the control of the prosecutor general, has drawn widespread protests and international criticism.
Public Outcry and Protests
Following the bill's passage, thousands took to the streets in Kyiv, marking the largest anti-government demonstration since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Protests also erupted in other major cities, including Lviv, Dnipro, and Odesa. Demonstrators carried signs with messages like "We chose Europe, not autocracy," expressing fears that the new law could hinder Ukraine's path toward European Union membership.
International Reactions
The European Union and G7 nations have voiced serious concerns over the legislation. European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier emphasized that EU financial assistance to Ukraine is contingent on progress in transparency and democratic governance. Marta Kos, the European commissioner for enlargement, criticized the bill as a "serious step back" for Ukraine's EU aspirations.
Zelensky's Defense
In a late-night address, Zelensky defended the bill, arguing that it would remove Russian influence and enhance the efficiency of corruption investigations. He stated that the prosecutor general would ensure accountability for those breaking the law, addressing what he described as "dormant" cases worth billions. Despite the backlash, Zelensky maintains that the reforms are necessary for Ukraine's future.
Concerns Over Political Influence
Critics argue that the new law allows for political interference in corruption investigations, potentially reversing years of progress in Ukraine's fight against corruption. The legislation has alarmed anti-corruption watchdogs and civil society activists, who fear it could lead to a return to autocratic governance reminiscent of the era of former pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych.
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Scenario Analysis
The passage of this bill could have significant implications for Ukraine's political landscape and its relationship with Western allies. If the concerns of international bodies like the EU and G7 are not addressed, Ukraine risks jeopardizing its EU membership prospects and the financial aid tied to anti-corruption progress. Domestically, continued public protests could pressure the government to reconsider or amend the legislation. Experts suggest that Ukraine's leadership must balance reform efforts with maintaining the trust of both its citizens and international partners to navigate this complex political terrain successfully.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has ignited a storm of controversy by signing a bill that critics claim weakens the independence of the country's anti-corruption institutions. The legislation, which places the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) under the control of the prosecutor general, has drawn widespread protests and international criticism.
Public Outcry and Protests
Following the bill's passage, thousands took to the streets in Kyiv, marking the largest anti-government demonstration since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Protests also erupted in other major cities, including Lviv, Dnipro, and Odesa. Demonstrators carried signs with messages like "We chose Europe, not autocracy," expressing fears that the new law could hinder Ukraine's path toward European Union membership.
International Reactions
The European Union and G7 nations have voiced serious concerns over the legislation. European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier emphasized that EU financial assistance to Ukraine is contingent on progress in transparency and democratic governance. Marta Kos, the European commissioner for enlargement, criticized the bill as a "serious step back" for Ukraine's EU aspirations.
Zelensky's Defense
In a late-night address, Zelensky defended the bill, arguing that it would remove Russian influence and enhance the efficiency of corruption investigations. He stated that the prosecutor general would ensure accountability for those breaking the law, addressing what he described as "dormant" cases worth billions. Despite the backlash, Zelensky maintains that the reforms are necessary for Ukraine's future.
Concerns Over Political Influence
Critics argue that the new law allows for political interference in corruption investigations, potentially reversing years of progress in Ukraine's fight against corruption. The legislation has alarmed anti-corruption watchdogs and civil society activists, who fear it could lead to a return to autocratic governance reminiscent of the era of former pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych.
What this might mean
The passage of this bill could have significant implications for Ukraine's political landscape and its relationship with Western allies. If the concerns of international bodies like the EU and G7 are not addressed, Ukraine risks jeopardizing its EU membership prospects and the financial aid tied to anti-corruption progress. Domestically, continued public protests could pressure the government to reconsider or amend the legislation. Experts suggest that Ukraine's leadership must balance reform efforts with maintaining the trust of both its citizens and international partners to navigate this complex political terrain successfully.
