Protests in Ukraine are restricted under martial law and the nighttime curfew. However, many Ukrainian civilians, war veterans, soldiers, and anti-corruption activists gathered in central Kyiv, chanting “Veto! Veto! Veto!” towards President Zelenskyy’s office.
The president’s signature was the final requirement to enact the bill, granting the politically appointed prosecutor general authority over the independent National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).
In a Wednesday morning address on Telegram, Zelenskyy justified the reform, claiming that the anti-corruption infrastructure, including NABU and SAPO, would continue to function. He explained that the reforms aim to eliminate Russian infiltration in Ukraine. This follows accusations on Monday that some NABU agents had collaborated with Russia, though critics argue the evidence is unclear and the arrests may be a pretext to undermine the independent agencies.
Hundreds demonstrated in cities like Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro, and Odesa, marking the largest protests since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
“Any limitations on anti-corruption institutions are unacceptable and harmful to their work and independence,” said Stephan, a 23-year-old law student who preferred to be identified by his first name.
“This protest shows our intolerance to corruption and regression, even during martial law. We had to come. There’s no other choice,” Stephan added.
Many protesters, including Stephan, had not slept properly for over a week due to persistent Russian attacks.
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