Ukraine has witnessed its first significant anti-government protests since Russia’s full-scale invasion over three years ago. The unrest stems from President Volodymyr Zelensky’s controversial move to restructure oversight of key anti-corruption agencies.
This decision has ignited widespread anger across the nation and raised concerns about the future of Ukraine’s anti-corruption drive, European Union integration prospects, and the country’s internal political stability.
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Background: Ukraine at War and the Fight Against Corruption
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the country has been in a state of constant military and political emergency. While the focus has understandably been on national defense and territorial integrity, Ukraine’s government has also faced growing pressure to continue reforming its political institutions—particularly its anti-corruption mechanisms.
Corruption has long been one of Ukraine’s most stubborn challenges, undermining economic development, international trust, and the rule of law. Over the past decade, Ukraine has established several anti-corruption bodies to address these issues, including:
- The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU)
- The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO)
Both institutions have played critical roles in investigating and prosecuting high-profile corruption cases, symbolizing Ukraine’s commitment to reform and transparency.
Zelensky’s Anti-Corruption Reforms Spark Outrage
In recent weeks, President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine’s parliament) moved to pass legislation transferring oversight of NABU and SAPO to the prosecutor general’s office. The prosecutor general is a political appointee, which critics argue threatens the independence of these anti-corruption bodies.
This legislation has triggered the first major anti-government protests of the war era. Thousands gathered in Kyiv, Lviv, and other cities demanding the reversal of the bill and protection of anti-corruption institutions.
Why Are Ukrainians Protesting?
The protests highlight several deep concerns:
- Erosion of Anti-Corruption Efforts: Transferring control to a politically appointed prosecutor general could compromise investigations, allowing corruption to flourish once again.
- Undermining Rule of Law: Citizens fear the move weakens the checks and balances critical to a democratic society.
- Threat to EU Integration: The European Union has repeatedly emphasized that fighting corruption is a non-negotiable condition for Ukraine’s accession. Weakening NABU and SAPO risks jeopardizing this long-term goal.
- International Relations Impact: Western allies, including the United States, have voiced concerns about Ukraine’s commitment to anti-corruption reforms, with officials urging Kyiv to stay the course.
Timeline of Recent Protests and Political Developments
- Tuesday, July 23, 2025: The Verkhovna Rada approves the controversial bill granting oversight of NABU and SAPO to the prosecutor general.
- Same Day: Massive protests erupt in Kyiv, Lviv, and other major cities, marking the first significant public dissent since the war began.
- Protest Demands: Repeal of the bill, protection of anti-corruption institutions, and preservation of Ukraine’s democratic reforms.
- Government Response: Zelensky’s administration defends the reform as necessary for better coordination but faces growing political opposition and public backlash.
What Are NABU and SAPO?
Understanding the roles of NABU and SAPO is critical to grasp why this reform caused such a public uproar.
National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU)
Established in 2015, NABU is responsible for investigating corruption-related crimes involving high-ranking officials and government entities. NABU operates independently from other law enforcement bodies and is seen as a cornerstone in Ukraine’s anti-corruption framework.
Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO)
SAPO works closely with NABU, prosecuting corruption cases investigated by NABU in court. This office ensures that investigations lead to effective judicial action, holding corrupt officials accountable.
Both NABU and SAPO have been praised internationally for their efforts to expose and prosecute corrupt practices, contributing significantly to Ukraine’s reform agenda.
International Reactions: EU and US Pressure
The European Union and the United States have been key partners in supporting Ukraine’s reform process and war effort. Both have linked continued financial, military, and political aid to Ukraine’s commitment to anti-corruption reforms.
- European Union: The EU’s accession roadmap for Ukraine explicitly ties progress to anti-corruption efforts, requiring the country to strengthen the independence and effectiveness of institutions like NABU and SAPO.
- United States: The Biden administration has publicly urged Ukraine to intensify efforts against corruption, warning that backsliding could affect the level of U.S. support.
The recent legislative changes risk alienating these important allies, adding to the geopolitical and domestic challenges facing Zelensky’s government.
Political Context: Why Is Zelensky Making These Changes Now?
President Zelensky came to power in 2019 on a platform promising to tackle corruption and reform Ukraine’s government. However, some analysts suggest that the timing of these reforms is linked to political power consolidation amid ongoing war pressures.
- Control Over Investigations: Shifting oversight to the prosecutor general could enable the administration to manage politically sensitive corruption cases more directly.
- Internal Political Dynamics: Zelensky may be responding to factions within Ukraine’s political landscape that resist independent anti-corruption scrutiny.
- War-Driven Governance: The government argues that stronger central coordination is needed during wartime to streamline legal processes and avoid bureaucratic conflicts.
Regardless of intent, the move has fueled fears that it undermines democratic gains and could trigger instability during a critical moment in Ukraine’s history.
Public Opinion and Civil Society Response
The protests underscore the growing frustration among Ukrainian citizens and civil society organizations about perceived attempts to weaken transparency and accountability. Many see these reforms as a betrayal of the sacrifices Ukrainians have made in the war and a threat to the nation’s future.
Civil society leaders have organized petitions, public forums, and international campaigns demanding the bill’s repeal and the protection of anti-corruption agencies. These efforts emphasize the crucial link between anti-corruption progress and Ukraine’s overall sovereignty and democratic development.
Potential Consequences for Ukraine’s Future
The controversy over Zelensky’s reforms presents several possible outcomes for Ukraine:
- Reversal of the Bill: Continued domestic and international pressure may force parliament to repeal the law and preserve the independence of NABU and SAPO.
- Prolonged Political Crisis: If the government insists on implementing the reforms, Ukraine could face ongoing protests, political instability, and weakening of democratic institutions.
- Impact on EU Membership Prospects: Ukraine’s long-term goal of joining the EU may be jeopardized if anti-corruption progress stalls or reverses.
- International Aid Reassessment: Western countries may reconsider the scale or conditions of financial and military support.
- War Effort Risks: Political unrest could distract from the urgent national security priorities amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Frequently Asked Question
Why are Ukrainians protesting Zelensky’s anti-corruption reforms?
Ukrainians are protesting because a new law shifts oversight of two key anti-corruption agencies — NABU and SAPO — to the prosecutor general, a politically appointed position. Critics believe this undermines the independence of these institutions and weakens Ukraine’s fight against corruption.
What are NABU and SAPO, and why are they important?
- NABU (National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine) investigates high-level corruption cases.
- SAPO (Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office) prosecutes those cases in court.
These agencies are central to Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts and are closely monitored by the EU and international partners.
How has the international community responded?
The European Union and United States have expressed concern. Both have emphasized that Ukraine must maintain independent and effective anti-corruption institutions as part of its obligations to receive continued financial aid and progress toward EU membership.
Where have the protests taken place?
Protests erupted in multiple cities, including:
- Kyiv (the capital)
- Lviv (western Ukraine)
- Dnipro (eastern Ukraine)
- Odesa (southern Ukraine)
These are the first major anti-government demonstrations since the Russian invasion began in 2022.
How has President Zelensky justified the reforms?
Zelensky’s administration argues that the reforms will improve coordination and oversight during wartime, streamlining legal and investigatory processes. However, critics say it concentrates too much power in political hands and erodes institutional independence.
Could this affect Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union?
Yes. The EU has made anti-corruption reforms a key condition for Ukraine’s accession. Any weakening of agencies like NABU and SAPO could delay or derail the process, especially if perceived as backsliding on transparency and accountability.
What could happen next if protests continue?
Potential outcomes include:
- The law being repealed or amended due to public and international pressure.
- Further protests and civil unrest.
- Strained relations with Western allies.
- Heightened political polarization within Ukraine during an already difficult wartime context.
Conclusion
Ukraine stands at a critical juncture where its internal political decisions carry significant weight for its democratic future, international relationships, and ongoing war effort. The first major anti-government protests of the war, triggered by Zelensky’s anti-corruption reforms, reveal a deep tension between governance challenges and citizens’ demand for transparency and accountability. As Ukrainians continue to demonstrate their resolve on the battlefield, they are now also making their voices heard in the streets — demanding that their government not lose sight of the values and reforms that define their national identity and aspirations for a European future.
