Yesterday, Ukraine witnessed significant public unrest following the parliamentary vote on a new law affecting the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). The law transfers key powers from these institutions to the Prosecutor General, including the authority to reassign or close criminal cases.
This move triggered protests in Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro, Odesa, and other cities. Citizens expressed outrage at the lack of public input and the threat to Ukraine’s anti-corruption progress. These were the largest protests seen since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The international response was swift: G7 representatives and the EU criticized the changes and warned that they hinder Ukraine’s EU integration. So far, there has been no official statement from the United States.
Civil society leaders stress the importance of public dialogue. There are growing signs of frustration and demoralization among both military and civilians, with activists insisting that unity between government and society is crucial for preserving Ukraine’s statehood amid war.
On the front lines, the situation remains tense with ongoing fighting in Sumy region and near Pokrovsk. Volunteer groups urge support for the military, highlighting ongoing fundraising efforts for drones and other critical supplies.
Society is demanding a response from government to public sentiment. The time-sensitive changes to NABU and SAPO already point to a major crisis of trust in state institutions during wartime. There are plans to challenge the law in the Constitutional Court, though chances of success are assessed as low.
Experts warn that unity between society and authorities is vital in resisting external aggression. The loss of independence for key anti-corruption bodies raises concerns and could undermine European support for Ukraine further.
