Articles in this Cluster
24-07-2025
Ukraine's government faces growing backlash after President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law limiting the independence of two anti-corruption agencies, sparking thousands to protest in Kyiv and other cities. The law grants control of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office to the prosecutor general, appointed by Zelensky. Critics say this will undermine the agencies' authority and effectiveness, and may jeopardize Ukraine's EU integration. Zelensky acknowledged public anger and promised to submit a new bill to parliament, but offered no details. The move has been criticized by Ukraine's Western allies, who see the fight against corruption as crucial to EU membership. Protesters gathered in Kyiv, waving signs that read "Corruption loves silence! Don't be silent" and "Corruption lives – the future dies".
24-07-2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces mass protests across the country for signing a law that gives the prosecutor general more power over anti-corruption agencies, sparking concerns over a potential backslide into authoritarianism and undermining Ukraine's bid to join the EU. Thousands protested in several cities, defying martial law bans on mass gatherings, over fears that the law will compromise the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office. The EU voiced concern, with EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos calling the vote "a serious step back." Zelenskyy acknowledged the public's anger, stating that the agencies will still "work" and that he will provide support, but critics argue the law is a form of political retribution.
24-07-2025
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky should abandon a new law that puts the country's anti-corruption bodies under presidential control, as it jeopardizes Ukraine's progress against corruption and erodes Western support, sparking protests and threatening the trust of citizens and backers that is crucial to Ukraine's war effort.
24-07-2025
Ukrainians took to the streets in widespread protests against a newly passed bill that threatens the independence of two key anti-corruption agencies, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO). The legislation gives the president-appointed general prosecutor increased authority over the agencies, which demonstrators and European officials argue will weaken the fight against corruption in Ukraine. President Zelenskyy has defended the move, stating that it is necessary to clear the "anti-corruption infrastructure" of Russian influence, and that the law enforcement and anti-corruption system needs to be strengthened to defend the Ukrainian state. The move has sparked concerns that it may endanger its EU bid, which requires a strong stance against internal corruption.
24-07-2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reversed course on a controversial law that targeted the country's independent anti-corruption institutions, announcing plans to introduce new legislation that will restore their independence. The decision comes after widespread protests and international condemnation, including from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The original law allowed the Prosecutor General to exert control over anti-corruption agencies, sparking fears of Russian influence and jeopardizing Ukraine's path to joining the European Union. Zelenskyy claimed that Ukraine's anti-corruption infrastructure was infiltrated by Russia, but ultimately backed down in the face of public opposition.
24-07-2025
Thousands protested in cities across Ukraine against a law signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that reduces the autonomy of two key anti-corruption bodies, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office. Critics say the law will give Zelenskyy's circle more influence over investigations and prioritize loyalty over fighting corruption, threatening Ukraine's access to Western funding. The EU's Enlargement Commissioner expressed worry over the move, calling it "a serious step back" that may impact Ukraine's bid to join the EU. Zelenskyy has since met with law enforcement and anti-corruption officials, promising to provide support and strengthen the work of these agencies.
