Ukraine is facing a new wave of public dissent and international concern after President Volodymyr Zelensky signed into law a bill that places the country’s two main anti-corruption bodies under the control of the prosecutor general — a move critics say could roll back a decade of hard-fought reforms.
The legislation, passed earlier this week, hands sweeping authority over the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) to Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko, a Zelensky loyalist. Kravchenko can now reassign or even close corruption investigations — powers that have sparked fears of political interference and selective justice.
Protests Erupt Across Ukraine
The response from civil society was swift and vocal. On Tuesday, hundreds gathered in central Kyiv in what many described as the largest anti-government protest since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Demonstrations also broke out in Lviv, Dnipro, and Odesa.
Placards at the protests read: “We chose Europe, not autocracy” and “My father did not die for this,” echoing the spirit of the 2014 Euromaidan revolution that ousted pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych and set Ukraine on a pro-European, democratic path.
Justification or Justification Strategy?
President Zelensky defended the bill in an overnight address, arguing that corruption cases had been “dormant” for years and required more decisive oversight to ensure accountability. He cited alleged Russian infiltration as a justification for the changes and pointed to recent arrests of suspected Russian spies within NABU.
However, critics see this explanation as insufficient and politically convenient. Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s former foreign minister, called it “a bad day for Ukraine,” adding that Zelensky must decide whether he stands with the people or against the values that brought him to power.
Western Allies Express Alarm, But Aid Continues
The backlash extends beyond Ukraine’s borders. European Union officials and G7 ambassadors have expressed concern, warning that undermining NABU and SAP could threaten both Ukraine’s EU membership ambitions and continued Western aid.
“The dismantling of key safeguards protecting NABU’s independence is a serious step back,” said European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, emphasizing that anti-corruption reform remains a core condition for EU integration.
Guillaume Mercier, spokesperson for the European Commission, reminded Kyiv that EU financial support is tied to transparency and democratic governance: “The EU provides significant assistance to Ukraine, conditional on progress in judicial reform and anti-corruption efforts.”
Despite harsh words, Western allies remain cautious. With Ukraine’s military facing mounting challenges, few are prepared to threaten aid at this critical juncture — but the message is clear: reforms matter, and political loyalty should not override the rule of law.
Reform or Regression?
While Zelensky insists the move is aimed at strengthening anti-corruption efforts, the law’s impact on the independence of key institutions raises serious questions. At a time when Ukraine seeks to define its European future, the appearance of centralized control and political favoritism could undermine years of progress — both at home and abroad.