Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he will introduce new legislation to restore the independence of the country’s anti-corruption institutions, following public backlash over a controversial law he signed this week.
The law places the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) under the direct authority of the prosecutor general, a presidential appointee.
Zelenskyy defended the move, citing recent espionage charges against NABU employees and the threat of Russian infiltration. He said the agencies needed restructuring to improve accountability and safeguard national security.
The law’s signing triggered the largest protests seen in wartime Ukraine, with thousands gathering in Kyiv’s central square for two consecutive nights. Demonstrators, some defying curfew, accused the government of undermining democracy. Protests also spread to Lviv, Odesa, Dnipro, and Sumy, despite ongoing Russian attacks.
🇺🇦 “We’re not losers!” – chant the Ukrainians in Kiev.
This is how the residents of the capital reacted to the news that Zelensky signed a law limiting the powers of anti-corruption bodies. People are not leaving the streets despite the curfew. pic.twitter.com/jSPSCSqIet— Roberto (@UniqueMongolia) July 22, 2025
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko denounced the law as a threat to democracy, while anti-corruption activist Vitaliy Shabunin warned it would allow the prosecutor general to shut down sensitive investigations.
🇺🇦 #Ukraine: Thousands of protesters have defied wartime restrictions in central Kyiv, rallying against President Zelensky’s decision to strip the country’s independent anti-corruption agencies of their autonomy.
This marks the largest protest of wartime Ukraine, triggered by… pic.twitter.com/jm8vMZ14Yw
— POPULAR FRONT (@PopularFront_) July 22, 2025
In a video posted on X on Wednesday, Zelenskyy acknowledged the backlash.
“Of course, everyone has heard what people are saying these days – on social media, to each other, on the streets. It’s not falling on deaf ears. We analyzed all concerns, all aspects of what needs to be changed and what needs to be stepped up.”
“I will propose a bill to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine that will be the response. It will ensure the strength of the rule of law system, and there will be no Russian influence or interference in the activities of law enforcement. And very importantly – all the norms for the independence of anti-corruption institutions will be in place.”
Today started with the meeting with government officials and representatives of law enforcement agencies.
Of course, everyone has heard what people are saying these days – on social media, to each other, on the streets. It’s not falling on deaf ears. We analyzed all concerns,… pic.twitter.com/Rcrp2MOXhP
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 23, 2025
