Ukrainians Protest Law Threatening Anti-Corruption Independence

In a demonstration of public sentiment, citizens across over a dozen Ukrainian cities gathered to protest a recently enacted law perceived as a threat to the nation's anti-corruption efforts. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, amidst these protests, has called for national solidarity while facing backlash for legislation that critics argue compromises the independence of key anti-corruption agencies. Thousands of participants converged near the presidential office in Kyiv, gathering despite a nightly curfew and ongoing risks from Russian attacks. The protests were sparked by a bill that, after being approved by parliament and signed by Zelenskyy, places the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) under the control of the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO). The Prosecutor General, who is appointed by the president, has raised concerns that this new law may grant the executive branch undue influence over critical anti-corruption bodies. President Zelenskyy has sought to address these concerns by promising a new legislative proposal aimed at securing the independence of NABU and SAPO. Roman Pilipey/AFP via Getty Images - PROTESTERS HOLD PLACARDS DURING A DEMONSTRATION AGAINST A LAW AFFECTING TWO KEY ANTI-CORRUPTION BODIES IN DOWNTOWN KYIV, UKRAINE, ON JULY 23, 2025. In his address on Telegram, Zelenskyy disclosed that he had convened with the leadership of law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies. "We agreed that the heads of these institutions will jointly propose an action plan," he stated, acknowledging public sentiments expressed through various channels, including social media and on the streets. "And what will remain most important is not losing our national unity, ending the war, stopping this Russian evil and securing a dignified peace for Ukraine," he emphasized in his communication. Zelenskyy further revealed that a new bill aiming to restore the independence of anti-corruption bodies was pending approval for submission to parliament. "The most important thing is real tools, no Russian ties and the independence of NABU and [SAPO]," he remarked. NABU and SAPO were both established after Ukraine's pro-Western Maidan Revolution in 2014 to combat systemic corruption and support democratic reforms as the country aspires for EU membership. MORE: Zelenskyy faces major anti-corruption protests as Ukraine prepares for Russia talks Critics argue that the law is a consolidation of power by Zelenskyy and his administration, which could undermine Ukraine's democratic foundations and threaten its European aspirations. Supporters of Zelenskyy contend that these measures are vital for eliminating Russian influence within NABU and SAPO. This legislative move followed a series of raids conducted by the Security Service of Ukraine and PGO officers on NABU staff. These operations also examined SAPO's handling of state secrets. <p class="mb-4 text-lg md: