Rising Repercussions: Zelensky’s Decision to Undermine Anti-Corruption Agencies Sparks Outrage in Ukraine

Ukraine is facing a strong backlash after President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law that limits the independence of two key anti-corruption agencies: the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP). Now, these agencies will be under the control of the prosecutor general, who the president appoints.

Zelensky says this move is necessary because he believes NABU and SAP have been ineffective and are influenced by Russia. He signed the bill after it received support from 263 out of 324 members of parliament.

Many Ukrainians disagree, fearing this change will weaken the agencies’ authority and effectiveness. Protests erupted in Kyiv, where thousands gathered outside the president’s office, along with smaller demonstrations in Odesa, Dnipro, Lviv, and Sumy. These were the first anti-government protests since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

The fight against corruption is crucial for Ukraine’s aspirations to integrate with the European Union. This path took off in 2014, when protests ousted a pro-Russian president in favor of closer ties with the West. NABU and SAP were established to help improve Ukraine’s image and secure reforms requested by the European Commission and the International Monetary Fund.

After gaining EU candidate status in 2022, this recent move has led to concerns. Many Ukrainians feel they have sacrificed greatly in the fight against Russian aggression, and now fear their government’s actions threaten their democratic progress.

Corruption remains a severe issue in Ukraine, reflected in its ranking of 105 out of 180 on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. Despite this low rating, there has been some improvement since the establishment of NABU and SAP, which have conducted investigations recovering millions in assets and exposing bribery across various sectors. Earlier this year, the head of Ukraine’s Supreme Court was arrested over a million-dollar bribery case.

Critics say placing NABU and SAP under presidential oversight could protect high-profile figures from scrutiny. A protester expressed frustration, stating the government had “destroyed everything that has been worked on for years.”

Despite existing bans on mass gatherings under martial law, many expect further protests throughout Ukraine, showing the strong sentiment against this “scandalous” law. Prominent war veterans and civilians alike are urging action, emphasizing the importance of fighting for both the nation and democratic principles.

European leaders are also concerned, warning that this legislation could hinder Ukraine’s path toward the EU. Germany’s foreign minister acknowledged this setback while France’s minister urged a reversal of the law.

In response to the protests, Zelensky announced plans to create a joint strategy to combat corruption but reiterated the need for the country to remain united against Russian aggression.

As talks continue between Russia and Ukraine, many citizens are focused on this new law. One Lviv resident voiced the struggle, saying, “We don’t want to fight both Russia and our own government.”

This scenario showcases the delicate balance Ukraine must navigate as it seeks to strengthen its democratic institutions while facing external threats. For further insights on Ukraine’s position and its ongoing journey toward European integration, you can read this report from Transparency International.

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