Protests Erupt in Kiev as Zelensky Targets Anti-Corruption Agencies [WATCH]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is facing mounting protests in Kiev following the passage of a controversial bill that significantly undermines the country’s top anti-corruption agencies.

The demonstrations mark the first major anti-government unrest since the broader conflict in Ukraine began in 2022.

The legislation, which has reportedly been signed by Zelensky, reduces the autonomy and operational independence of Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).

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These institutions were created in the aftermath of the 2014 Maidan Revolution, an event that led to the ousting of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych and sparked years of conflict in Ukraine’s eastern regions.

The bill has sparked backlash from Ukrainian activists and opposition lawmakers, with some warning that the move may harm Ukraine’s standing with western allies.

According to a report from Axios, the new law could damage Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts, a key demand of both the European Union and the United States in the years leading up to Russia’s 2022 invasion.

Protesters gathered in central Kievon Tuesday night, holding candles and chanting slogans such as “we’re not suckers” and “corruption equals death.”

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Demonstrations are expected to continue into the coming days as opposition to the bill grows.

The protests come amid improving diplomatic ties between Ukraine and the Trump administration.

Earlier this year, President Donald Trump met with Zelensky in a tense Oval Office meeting.

Since then, the two governments have signed a new economic agreement.

President Trump has also issued a warning that his administration would impose 100% tariffs on Russia and any country buying Russian oil unless negotiations resume within 50 days.

Despite renewed engagement with the United States, Zelensky has faced criticism from Trump over Ukraine’s political climate.

The country remains under martial law and has not held national elections since the Russian invasion began.

The Economist reported that the legislation was pushed through Ukraine’s parliament at Zelensky’s urging.

The bill’s passage was preceded by raids on the two anti-corruption agencies, leading to speculation that investigations may have been nearing figures close to the president.

Earlier this month, Ukrainian authorities arrested Vitaliy Shabunin, one of the country’s most outspoken critics of Zelensky and a well-known anti-corruption activist.

His arrest followed a broader shakeup in Zelensky’s administration, which included the appointment of close allies to key government positions.

A source close to Zelensky defended the bill, stating that the two anti-corruption agencies have failed to deliver results.

“Most corruption cases were discovered by the domestic security service,” the source said in a statement to The Economist.