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Thousands of Ukrainians gathered in Kiev and other cities on Tuesday to urge critics to veto legislation that would undermine the country’s anti-corruption infrastructure.
The protest marked the first major rally against the government for more than three years in Russia Continuous full-scale invasion.
The Ukrainian Parliament has passed a bill that will strengthen surveillance of two key anti-corruption groups, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the specialized Anti-Corruption Public Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). Opponents warn that the measure could weaken the independence of the institution and increase political influence on the investigation.
Despite public protests, Zelenskyy reportedly signed the bill on Tuesday.
The fight against corruption is a Important Conditions A bid to join the European Union in Ukraine and secure continued Western financial support to combat Russian invasion. The move sparked anger among civil society and officials.
“In effect, if this bill becomes law, the head of SAPO will become nominal figures, Nabu will lose independence and become a subdivision of the prosecutor’s office,” the agency said in a joint statement in Telegram.
In a post on X, EU extended committee member Marta Kos also expressed concern over the vote in the Ukrainian parliament.
She described it as a “serious step,” saying, “Independent organizations like Nab & Sapo are essential to the EU path in Ukraine. The rule of law remains at the very heart of EU accession negotiations.”
Transparency International’s Ukrainian branch also criticised the news, saying it would undermine past reforms and undermine damage with international partners.
The group urged Zelensky to reject the law and warned that otherwise it would share responsibility with the Congress to “dismantle Ukraine’s anti-corruption infrastructure.”
Since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in 2022, rallies have been held, but they have focused primarily on returning Captive Or someone who is missing. However, the protest remained traditional forms of public pressure in Ukraine, with two previous revolutions victorious in the public.
Many protesters at Tuesday’s demonstration reported signs that “reject the law,” “protect the anti-corruption system and protect the future of Ukraine,” or simply “we are against it.”