Ukraine is on the brink of upheaval as a new law significantly reduces the independence of its key anti-corruption agencies, igniting the largest protests since Russia’s 2022 invasion.

At a Glance

• Ukraine’s parliament passed a law curtailing the autonomy of NABU and SAPO.
• President Zelensky signed the controversial law citing security concerns.
• The move triggered widespread protests amid fears for EU membership prospects.
• Zelensky promises new legislation to restore agency independence.
• The law risks weakening anti-corruption efforts critical for foreign aid and governance.

Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Agencies Under Siege

On July 22, 2025, Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada approved legislation diminishing the autonomy of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). The law grants expanded powers to the prosecutor general over these agencies, a shift viewed by critics as undermining Ukraine’s hard-won reforms.

The decision follows arrests of two NABU officials accused of ties to Russia, intensifying debates over the agencies’ integrity amid wartime security concerns. Despite vocal opposition from civil society and parts of the political spectrum urging a presidential veto, Zelensky signed the bill, emphasizing the need to cleanse the agencies of foreign influence.

Protests and International Criticism

The legislation’s passage triggered the largest protests since the 2022 invasion, with civil society and anti-corruption activists rallying in Kyiv and other cities. Demonstrators warn that the law jeopardizes Ukraine’s EU accession and undoes years of reform progress.
The European Union condemned the law as a major setback to Ukraine’s anti-corruption agenda. Western allies, including the United States, have issued measured criticism, acknowledging the challenging wartime context but expressing concern over potential damage to reform momentum.

Watch a report: Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Protests

Zelensky’s Response and Future Prospects

Facing mounting pressure, President Zelensky announced plans to introduce new legislation aimed at restoring the independence of NABU and SAPO. He committed to upholding all necessary standards for agency autonomy while launching audits of public spending and deregulation measures to bolster governance.

However, the contested law remains in force, and protests persist. Both domestic and international observers await tangible steps to rebuild trust in Ukraine’s anti-corruption commitment.

Implications for Ukraine’s Future

The law threatens to halt critical investigations into corruption, risking political interference in anti-corruption institutions and eroding public confidence. It casts a shadow over Ukraine’s EU membership ambitions and may imperil foreign aid tied to reform benchmarks.

Long-term, the weakening of rule-of-law mechanisms could undermine governance and resilience during wartime, posing serious challenges to Ukraine’s democratic and security objectives. The unfolding situation remains a pivotal test for Ukraine’s reform trajectory and international partnerships.