Ukraine’s President Signs Controversial Anti-Corruption Law Amid Protests
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reportedly approved a divisive bill that reduces the autonomy of Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies following the first significant demonstrations against his government in Kyiv.
The decision, made Tuesday, places the president at odds with civil society groups, veterans, and risks disappointing Ukraine’s European allies.
Earlier that day, the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, approved the disputed legislation, which undermines the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office. The law grants expanded authority to the prosecutor general, making it simpler for authorities to influence which cases are investigated. Opponents argue it permits political meddling and represents a setback in anti-corruption efforts.
Reports indicate Zelenskyy enacted the bill late Tuesday, ignoring appeals to veto it. The official announcement has not yet appeared on government websites.
Hours before the signing, roughly 1,500 demonstrators assembled near the presidential administration building, chanting slogans such as "Shame" and "Veto the law" while displaying handmade signs criticizing the legislation. Similar protests occurred in cities like Lviv, Dnipro, and Odesa.
"If this law takes effect, it will hinder Ukraine’s path to the EU. We'll revert to dictatorship," said Sasha Kazintseva before Zelenskyy’s reported approval. "We refuse to resemble Russia. Zelenskyy is still our president, but when he makes mistakes, we’ll speak out," she added.
Nearby, Tetiana Kukuruza held a sign with a blunt message: "Are you out of your mind?" She explained, "This is our first street protest since 2022. We know who voted for this bill. I’m not labeling them corrupt, but they have agendas."
Protesters, including students, activists, and veterans—some draped in Ukrainian flags—gathered in a park beneath the historic House of Chimeras. Kyiv’s mayor, Vitalii Klitschko, and his brother Volodymyr also joined.
Artist Veronika Mol voiced concerns that Ukraine might be slipping back to the era of Viktor Yanukovych, the disgraced pro-Russian leader who fled in 2014 after mass protests. "This is shocking. It feels like madness. Their motives are unclear," she said.
"The people hold power in Ukraine, not the president or government. It’s tragic that we must still remind them," Mol added.
The bill has drawn sharp criticism from prominent soldiers, public figures, and media. Journalist Illia Ponomarenko remarked that civil society now battles "the dark side of its own state" alongside the war with Russia.
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