Zelensky reins in Ukraine anti-corruption agencies, sparking first wartime protests

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has approved a law to strip anti-corruption agencies of their powers despite opposition, triggering the first outbreak of popular discontent against his leadership since Russia’s full-scale invasion began.

Hundreds of mostly young people joined rallies in the capital of Kyiv, the western city of Lviv, and the southern city of Odesa on Tuesday evening in protest against legislation that placed the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine under the control of the Prosecutor General’s Office, whose head is appointed by the president.

Zelensky dismissed concerns raised by the opposition and allies from the Group of Seven (G7) nations that such a move would hamstring efforts to tackle high-level corruption. NABU and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office were both established at the request of Western donors a decade ago.

“We all share a common enemy: the Russian occupiers. And defending the Ukrainian state requires a strong enough law enforcement system – one that ensures a real sense of justice,” Zelensky said after meeting with top law enforcement and anti-corruption officials a day after signing off on the widely criticised law.

The unprecedented protests erupted as the capital has been suffering almost daily barrages of deadly drone and missile strikes, underscoring the growing sense of anger in society over Zelensky’s attempts to concentrate power within a narrow circle of his close associates.

It also comes as Ukraine tries to convince its Western allies, especially in the European Union, to deliver and pay for weapon supplies and continue financial help.