Zelensky Faces Protests Over New Anti-Corruption Law

Large protests have erupted across Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a controversial new law changing how two key anti-corruption agencies operate. The law places the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) under the authority of the Prosecutor General. Critics argue this move undermines the independence of these agencies and could allow powerful political figures to avoid investigation. Protesters in major cities including Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Dnipro, and Kharkiv have taken to the streets, with some calling for Zelensky’s resignation and even demanding peace talks with Russia.
The demonstrations reflect not only anger over the law but also growing public frustration with the prolonged war and its heavy toll on the country. International concern has also been swift. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has requested clarification from Ukraine, warning that such changes could harm the country’s bid to join the European Union. The EU’s membership rules require strong anti-corruption measures, an independent judiciary, and respect for the rule of law all of which critics say are threatened by this new legislation. With protests growing and European leaders watching closely, Zelensky now faces mounting pressure to defend the reforms or reconsider them to protect Ukraine’s EU aspirations and foreign support.