Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy withdrew a controversial law last month that would have weakened the country’s key anti-corruption agencies, following large-scale protests in Kyiv and other cities. The demonstrations, drawing thousands, marked the first major public backlash against Zelenskyy since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
The proposed legislation had curtailed the powers of Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). While Zelenskyy defended the move as necessary to eliminate Russian influence, critics accused him of shielding allies from corruption investigations and consolidating control.
Public anger had been mounting over corruption allegations involving figures close to the president, including his Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak. Two other Zelenskyy allies—former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Chernyshov and businessman Tymur Mindich—were recently tied to major graft probes, further fueling discontent.
The protests, among the largest in years, underscored growing frustration with wartime corruption. Anti-corruption activists warned the backlash signaled dwindling tolerance for abuses of power, even amid the ongoing war.
Lawmakers who initially backed the bill admitted they had done so without thorough review, relying on Zelenskyy’s judgment. Some now say they will scrutinize future presidential proposals more carefully, reflecting eroded trust in the administration.
International partners, including European leaders, also voiced concerns, warning that undermining anti-corruption bodies could jeopardize Ukraine’s EU membership bid. Zelenskyy’s swift reversal and the subsequent restoration of NABU and SAPO’s independence helped ease some diplomatic tensions.
Despite retaining broad support, Zelenskyy’s approval ratings have dipped since 2022, polls show. Rebuilding public and international confidence may prove a slow process as Ukraine balances wartime unity with demands for accountability.