Thousands Protest Zelenskyy’s New Anti-Corruption Law Amid EU Backlash

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine witnessed its largest anti-government protest in over three years on Tuesday as thousands rallied against a controversial anti-corruption bill signed into law by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The law, which critics say undermines the independence of Ukraine’s top anti-corruption institutions, has sparked domestic outrage and drawn rebukes from the European Union and global human rights groups. Many warn it could harm Ukraine’s hopes of joining the EU and jeopardize international aid.

Public Outcry Grows

Activists gathered in Kyiv and other major cities, chanting slogans and holding banners like “Corruption Applauds.” Many called on Zelenskyy to veto the legislation, claiming it concentrates too much power in the office of the prosecutor general.

Zelenskyy defended the law, saying it would accelerate corruption cases and eliminate loopholes that have allowed accused officials to escape justice for years.

“Criminal cases should not drag on for years without verdicts,” Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram. “Those working against Ukraine must not feel immune from punishment.”

Still, he acknowledged public concern and pledged a joint action plan from security and anti-corruption agencies within two weeks.

EU Officials and Watchdogs Slam the Law

Key EU figures quickly voiced concern. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned that weakening anti-corruption agencies “hampers Ukraine’s way towards the EU.”

Andrius Kubilius, the EU Defense Commissioner, emphasized that in wartime, public trust in government is “more important than modern weapons.”

Transparency International’s Ukraine chapter called the move a setback to post-2014 reforms and accused the government of “dismantling” the country’s anti-corruption framework.

Expanded Powers for the Prosecutor General

Under the new law, Ukraine’s prosecutor general—recently appointed Ruslan Kravchenko—receives broader oversight of cases handled by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).

Kravchenko assured citizens the agencies will continue to operate as before, while officials tried to ease fears of political interference.

Protesters Demand Accountability

Veterans and citizens alike expressed frustration.

“Those who swore to protect the laws have chosen to shield their inner circle,” said veteran Oleh Symoroz, who lost both legs in 2022.

Zelenskyy claims the reforms will help remove “Russian influence” from Ukraine’s justice system but offered no specific examples.

Russia Weighs In as Istanbul Talks Resume

Russian officials used the unrest to highlight Ukraine’s internal struggles, even as their own government faces mounting corruption scandals.

Meanwhile, Russian and Ukrainian delegations are meeting in Istanbul for a third round of direct talks, though expectations remain low. The focus is expected to center on prisoner exchanges and humanitarian corridors.

Zelenskyy reiterated his call for a full ceasefire and end to strikes on civilian targets. He reported that Russian drone attacks had briefly cut power for over 220,000 residents in Sumy, though most service was restored within hours.

U.S. Pressure Mounts on Moscow

Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Russia with harsher sanctions and pledged increased American arms deliveries, funded in part by European allies. Trump warned Moscow that it has until early September to agree to a ceasefire, signaling a tougher U.S. position.

Source: The Huff Post