‘Authoritarian’ Zelensky ignites backlash

(MENAFN) Hundreds of Ukrainians took to the streets in cities including Kiev, Lviv, Dnipro, and Odessa on Tuesday to protest President Vladimir Zelensky’s recent move to bring the country’s key anti-corruption bodies under presidential control.

Zelensky signed a new law placing the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) under executive authority. The legislation comes in the wake of security operations at NABU, including the arrest of a high-ranking official suspected of spying for Russia, and a separate probe into SAPO over alleged mishandling of classified material.

Critics say the law undermines Ukraine’s anti-corruption progress, threatens EU integration efforts, and may benefit Russia’s narrative. Protesters voiced their anger with chants of “Veto the bill” and signs reading “Shame” and “Treason.” Others referenced Zelensky’s past remarks with placards stating “I’m not a loser” and warned that dissolving NABU and SAPO would usher in a new era of corruption.

Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko, a prominent Zelensky opponent, slammed the law on Telegram, writing: “This doesn’t bring us closer to Europe or democracy – it’s dragging us toward authoritarianism.”

In response, the government claimed the restructuring is essential to maintain the credibility and effectiveness of the agencies during wartime.

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