Why Ukrainians are protesting Zelensky’s move to curb anticorruption powers

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Courtesy: Reuters photo)

Mass street protests have erupted across Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a controversial law weakening the country’s anticorruption agency, the National Anticorruption Bureau (NABU). The legislation places NABU and the Special Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office under the control of a prosecutor appointed by the president, effectively ending their operational independence — a key feature since their creation under Western pressure following Ukraine’s 2014 revolution, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The backlash has mobilized thousands of citizens in cities including Kyiv and Zelensky’s hometown of Kryviy Rih. In Kyiv, demonstrators gathered in Ivan Franko Square waving cardboard signs that read “Our trust isn’t limitless” and “Are you f—g kidding me?” The demonstrations have become the largest since the Russian invasion began in 2022, exposing long-simmering frustration with Zelensky’s leadership during wartime.

Zelensky’s swift approval of the law has fractured the wartime unity that had largely insulated him from domestic criticism. Protesters say the move undermines Ukraine’s fight against corruption at a time when every resource is needed to resist Russia’s advance along the 800-mile front line. Critics accuse the president of increasingly authoritarian tendencies, including the centralization of media and travel bans against political opponents.

In a video address, Zelensky acknowledged the outrage and promised to submit a new bill to restore anticorruption independence. However, he gave no details and provided no timeline, leaving uncertainty over how he plans to resolve the growing crisis.

Protesters across age groups and regions invoked the spirit of Ukraine’s earlier uprisings, such as the 2004 Orange Revolution and the 2014 Maidan movement. Many carried signs expressing disbelief and frustration at having to protest again for government accountability. “I can’t believe I have to do this s—t again,” read one poster, echoing a widespread sentiment that corruption should not resurface under wartime cover.

Veterans, active-duty soldiers, and displaced civilians joined the protests. “Either you fight in the war or you fight for your rights,” said Maksym Starizhko, one of many young Ukrainians who said the government’s actions betrayed public trust. Others, like Karolina Surai from Kharkiv, said they felt ignored by the government. “There can be nothing worse than war,” she said. “And yet, this hurts.”

Zelensky’s move has drawn criticism from European leaders. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reportedly called him to express serious concerns about the amendments. Meanwhile, Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak of the opposition Holos party has submitted a bill to repeal the changes and is exploring a legal challenge, warning that the legislation sends a green light to corrupt officials.

The protests highlight how corruption remains one of the most combustible issues in Ukrainian politics, particularly amid an existential war. With Russian forces aiming to destabilize Ukraine from within, the internal rift comes at a delicate moment.

Zelensky’s wartime leadership had earned widespread international acclaim, but this episode has exposed cracks in the social contract he built with the public. Trust in institutions, especially those meant to enforce accountability, is vital in maintaining national resilience against Russia’s pressure.

Whether Zelensky’s promised legislative fix can rebuild that trust remains to be seen. As one protester, Zoya Vasylenko, put it, “I didn’t feel well in the morning and thought about not going, but then I thought, I would have been so ashamed of myself.” For many Ukrainians, the fight for integrity at home is as vital as the battle on the front lines.