A Free Ukraine: Kyiv Protesters Fend Corruption Law

Kyiv Protesters Denounce Law that Weakens Anti‑Corruption Agencies

The new legislation, adopted by Ukraine’s parliament on Tuesday, places the National Anti‑Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti‑Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) under the direct authority of the prosecutor‑general, a post appointed by the president. Critics argue that the bill would open the door to presidential interference in corruption investigations and threaten the independence of key institutions.

First Mass Demonstration since the Russian Invasion

On Wednesday, several thousand demonstrators—mostly young activists—gathered outside a theatre in central Kyiv. They called for a veto of the law and warned that the fight for Ukraine’s democracy was taking place both on the battlefield and at home.

• Viacheslav Bykov: “Our struggle takes place on two fronts. Our main enemy is external, but we have an internal battle too.”
• Anya Kutsevol: “We’ve worked for years to move closer to Europe… only to be thrown back 10 years in a single day.”
• Yevgen Popovychenko: “Don’t take me back to the years of Maidan.”

President Zelensky Responds

In the wake of the backlash, President Zelensky said he would submit a new bill ensuring “all norms for the independence of anti‑corruption institutions will be in place.”

International Reaction

European partners, including European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen, called for explanations from Zelensky over the change. Civil society groups warned that the bill is part of a broader pattern of pressure on anti‑corruption activists and bodies.

Broader Context

Ukraine’s two anti‑corruption bodies were born a decade ago in the wake of the 2014 Maidan revolution, which ousted a Kremlin‑backed leader and sparked a first assault by Russia that led Moscow‑backed separatists to occupy Crimea and parts of the eastern Donbas region. The Kremlin’s refusal to accept Ukraine’s democratic turn toward Europe remains a source of tension.

Potential Consequences

Some fear that the political crisis over the legislation could work in Russia’s favor by undermining unity within the country, which is struggling to hold the front. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov seized on the opportunity to say there was “a lot of corruption” in Ukraine.

Looking Ahead

Despite martial law banning large gatherings, protesters vowed to keep defending Ukraine’s democracy. “We’re adults now. Now it’s our turn,” said many of the young activists.