Zelenskyy Signs Law Weakening Ukraine Anti-Corruption Agencies, Sparks Nationwide Protests

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a controversial bill significantly reducing the independence of the country's top anti-corruption agencies, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), by placing them under the control of the prosecutor general. The bill, passed hastily and quietly, allows the prosecutor general's office to reassign and close corruption investigations, prompting widespread protests across Kyiv and other cities, marking the largest anti-government demonstrations since Russia's 2022 invasion. Critics argue the law undermines years of anti-corruption progress and democratic reforms, with many fearing a return to pro-Russian influence and authoritarianism, while Zelensky defends the move as necessary to remove alleged Russian influence and improve investigation efficiency. The protests drew thousands of demonstrators expressing anger over the perceived rollback of reforms that were central to Ukraine's post-2014 revolution identity. Some analysts note the timing coincides with investigations that may implicate individuals close to Zelensky, adding a layer of political complexity to the backlash. Despite vocal domestic and international criticism, the government has proceeded without public official explanations, intensifying concerns about Ukraine's commitment to anti-corruption efforts amid ongoing conflict.