Mass protests have erupted across Ukraine following the unexpected passage by parliament of a law that effectively curtailed the independence of anti-corruption bodies—namely NABU and SAPO. The law was bundled with regulations concerning the status of missing persons, causing public outrage and concern in the West. Demonstrations have taken place in Kyiv and many major cities, with young people at the forefront, expressing their disagreement in central urban areas.
The government, which long urged unity during wartime, now faces criticism that this move threatens national cohesion and stability. Weakening the independence of anti-corruption institutions may slow Ukraine's EU integration process—a concern directly raised by EU Commission representatives.
Most protesters are in their twenties and may not remember the 2004 Maidan or the 2013–2014 Revolution of Dignity, but they were raised with a sense of justice. Public disappointment has grown as the law was rushed through with little discussion, and governmental efforts to address the backlash appear insufficient to many.
In addition to domestic dissent, serious concerns have been voiced by Western partners. Continued financial support and the prospect of EU accession are now under threat. President Volodymyr Zelensky has subsequently promised legislative changes to restore the independence of law enforcement institutions, but it remains to be seen if parliament will approve them.
Meanwhile, peace talks between Ukraine and Russia continue. The latest round was brief and yielded no concrete results. Ukraine has offered a summit including Western leaders, while Russia proposes forming new working groups to address key issues.
Recent developments indicate a shift in public consensus; the taboo on wartime protests has faded. A new generation of Ukrainians is actively making its voice heard, and the government is under growing domestic and international pressure to respond.
