In Ukraine, a new law caused discontent.

A new law signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has caused widespread protests in the country. The law limits the independence of key anti-corruption agencies — the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) — by placing them under the control of the Prosecutor General.

The law has been criticized by Ukrainian citizens and the international community, especially the European Union and G7 countries. Demonstrations with hundreds of participants took place in Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro, and Odesa. These protests are noted as some of the largest since the start of Russia’s invasion.

Protesters carried slogans such as: “We chose Europe, not authoritarianism” and “My father didn’t give his life for this.”

President’s stance: “An ineffective system must be reformed”
President Zelensky defended the law, calling the anti-corruption bodies' activities ineffective. According to him, major financial crime cases remain unresolved for years and “gather dust.”

The president believes that strengthening the Prosecutor General’s oversight will ensure criminal accountability and create a system free from “Russian influence.”

International response
European Commission representative Guillaume Mercier expressed concern over the new law, saying such changes weaken the anti-corruption standards agreed with the EU.

EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos called the loss of independence of SAPO and NABU a “serious step backward.” She reminded that these two agencies are a key principle in the path toward EU membership.

Additionally, G7 ambassadors stated that they want to hold separate talks with the Ukrainian leadership regarding the law. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!