Ukraine Faces Renewed Protests Over Anti-Corruption Law \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Ukraine faces growing protests after a law weakens anti-corruption agencies. Zelenskyy defends the legislation amid rising domestic and international backlash. Talks between Russia and Ukraine resume in Istanbul with little progress expected.
Quick Looks
- Activists demand more protests after Zelenskyy approved a controversial corruption law.
- The law expands oversight powers of the prosecutor general over NABU and SAPO.
- EU officials warn the move jeopardizes Ukraine’s EU candidacy and foreign aid.
- Zelenskyy vows a new plan to restore public trust and agency independence.
- Thousands protested in Kyiv and other cities calling for a presidential veto.
- Transparency International and other groups say the law dismantles critical reforms.
- Ukraine’s leadership accused of protecting allies instead of promoting justice.
- Delegations from Ukraine and Russia held a third round of talks in Istanbul.
- Turkey offered to monitor a ceasefire and help coordinate POW exchanges.
- Trump warned Russia of sanctions and increased Western arms deliveries.
Deep Look
Tensions escalated in Ukraine on Wednesday as activists urged renewed demonstrations in response to a controversial new law that critics argue undermines the country’s anti-corruption institutions. Just a day after thousands protested across Kyiv and other cities, organizers are calling for more public action against the legislation, which grants expanded powers to the prosecutor general over two independent watchdog agencies: the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).
The law, recently approved by parliament and signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has sparked fierce backlash both domestically and internationally, casting a shadow over Ukraine’s reform agenda during a critical phase of its war with Russia. Many fear the move could jeopardize Ukraine’s efforts to join the European Union and risk disrupting billions in vital Western aid.
Zelenskyy Defends Law as Protests Continue
Facing mounting public outrage, Zelenskyy convened a high-level meeting Wednesday morning with top anti-corruption and security officials. Afterward, he acknowledged public concerns in a Telegram post but stood by the legislation, claiming it is necessary to accelerate investigations and eliminate long-standing inefficiencies in the legal system.
“Criminal cases should not drag on for years without resolution,” Zelenskyy wrote. “We must ensure that those working against Ukraine do not feel safe or immune from punishment.”
He emphasized that all government agencies had agreed to develop a joint action plan to address public demands for fairness and strengthen institutional independence. The plan is expected within two weeks and aims to remove legal bottlenecks, ensure accountability, and restore trust in Ukraine’s anti-corruption infrastructure.
In his nightly address, Zelenskyy again addressed the protests and criticism, saying the plan would form the basis for a new bill to parliament—one aimed at protecting the autonomy of NABU and SAPO.
Still, critics argue the damage is already done. Activists and watchdogs claim the law erodes independent oversight and increases presidential influence over anti-corruption investigations—something they see as a step backward from the democratic gains made since Ukraine’s 2014 Revolution of Dignity.
International Alarm Over Reform Rollback
Reactions from the European Union were swift. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned that restricting the independence of Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions “hampers Ukraine’s way toward the EU.”
EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius also issued a sharp rebuke, writing on X: “In war, trust between the fighting nation and its leadership is more important than modern weapons—difficult to build, easy to lose with one significant mistake.”
Transparency International Ukraine said the law represents a rollback of one of the most impactful reforms enacted since 2014. It accused the government of “dismantling Ukraine’s anti-corruption architecture” and undermining trust with foreign partners.
The organization also pointed out that the perception of political interference in corruption cases could weaken the country’s position in securing international financial and military assistance.
Zelenskyy’s Response and Government Position
Despite the backlash, Zelenskyy insists the law is part of a broader strategy to eliminate Russian influence in Ukraine’s legal system and hold corrupt officials accountable. “These cases have remained untouched for years,” he said, citing the example of Ukrainian officials who fled abroad with illicit funds and faced no consequences.
Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko, a recent Zelenskyy appointee, sought to calm public fears by stating that anti-corruption agencies would continue their work. “The only change is that the prosecutor general now has broader authority,” he said in a news conference.
However, critics argue that this expanded oversight places too much power in one office and risks weakening independent investigations—especially when that office is closely aligned with the president.
Growing Public Discontent
The protests reflect deepening frustration among Ukrainians, many of whom have endured years of war, displacement, and economic instability. Tuesday’s demonstration in central Kyiv was the largest anti-government rally since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Signs reading “Veto the Law” and “Protect Our Future” filled the streets as protesters accused the government of prioritizing loyalty over legal integrity.
“Those who promised to uphold the Constitution are now using their power to shield allies,” said Oleh Symoroz, a wounded veteran who lost both legs in the war. His statement echoed a widespread sentiment that Ukraine’s leadership is compromising democratic principles under the guise of wartime urgency.
The stakes are high: Ukraine’s fight against Russia is not just military—it is also moral and political. Maintaining a transparent, independent justice system has long been a key factor in Ukraine’s international credibility and internal cohesion.
Moscow Responds Amid Internal Scandals
While Ukraine grapples with its internal crisis, Russia has faced its own string of corruption scandals within military and government ranks. Still, Russian officials seemed eager to capitalize on Zelenskyy’s troubles, highlighting dissent within Ukrainian society to bolster their propaganda.
However, Ukraine’s commitment to democracy has remained a core distinction from its authoritarian neighbor. Critics warn that any signs of backsliding could blur that contrast and erode global support.
Diplomatic Talks in Istanbul Yield Few Results
As protests flared at home, Ukrainian and Russian delegations met in Istanbul for a third round of direct talks in three months. The meeting, hosted at the Ciragan Palace and mediated by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, was widely expected to result in limited progress.
Fidan said Turkey remained hopeful that the two sides would engage in “substantive and results-oriented consultations” aimed at achieving a ceasefire. He also thanked Zelenskyy, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and U.S. President Donald Trump for their continued support of diplomatic efforts.
While expectations were low, the talks reportedly focused on prisoner exchanges and potential steps toward humanitarian coordination. Fidan offered Turkey’s assistance in creating a ceasefire monitoring system and standardizing prisoner swaps if negotiations advance.
Following Fidan’s remarks, talks continued behind closed doors, Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported.
Continued Russian Attacks Undermine Ceasefire Hopes
Despite the diplomatic overtures, Russian drone strikes targeted northeastern Ukraine overnight, leaving over 220,000 residents without power in the Sumy region, Zelenskyy confirmed. Most of the supply was restored within hours, but the attack highlighted ongoing threats to civilian infrastructure and underscored skepticism about Moscow’s intentions in the talks.
Ukrainian and Western officials have repeatedly accused the Kremlin of using the negotiation process as a stalling tactic to gain ground militarily before agreeing to any ceasefire.
Trump Raises Pressure on Moscow
Earlier this month, former U.S. President Donald Trump signaled a tougher approach to Russia. He warned of severe sanctions and pledged a new influx of American weapons—funded in part by European allies—unless Moscow agrees to a ceasefire by early September.
Trump’s warning marked a significant shift after months of perceived leniency toward Putin and may have helped reframe the stakes for Russia in the ongoing negotiations.
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