The guest of the program was Vitaly Portnikov, a journalist, writer, and political commentator. The main topic of the discussion was the aftermath of the adoption of Law No.12414, which President Volodymyr Zelensky signed on July 22, and mass protests in various Ukrainian cities.
Portnikov notes that the process of adopting the law was extremely rapid, with amendments introduced, voted by the Verkhovna Rada, and signed by the president all on the same day. He emphasizes that the main reason for this haste was to complete the changes before parliamentary recess, as MPs would have to be reconvened otherwise. Soon, the president promises to submit a new bill ensuring the independence of anti-corruption bodies in response to mass protests and international criticism, primarily from the European Commission and European partners.
Contentious points in the new law include allowing searches without court permits, changes in the prosecutorial hierarchy, and undermining the independence of prosecutors. Portnikov believes the public may not acknowledge the risks left in the law, as both protesters and international partners are focused on anti-corruption institutions.
He also discusses the questionable impact of these changes on Ukraine’s European integration prospects, stressing that the independence of NABU and SAP is symbolic for Western allies, and trust depends on preserving these bodies. He adds that similar independent anti-corruption agencies have not always been effective, citing Romania as an example.
The statement from former Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Valeriy Zaluzhnyi regarding a potentially protracted war until 2034 is addressed. Portnikov describes the current phase as a war of attrition, where both sides are unable to shift the front line significantly, and technological warfare with drones and missiles has become commonplace. He highlights the demographic factor, suggesting that Ukraine’s declining population may affect its geopolitical chances.
The conversation touches on peacekeeping contingents, negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, and the deepening crisis of Russia’s civil aviation under sanctions. There is analysis of the international situation: Azerbaijan’s changing stance toward Russia, the Epstein case and its implications for Donald Trump, energy resource markets, and escalating border conflicts worldwide.
Portnikov concludes that these developments reflect instability in the international order, an increase in frozen and hot conflicts, and a critical need for Ukraine to remain part of the collective West to safeguard its independence and geopolitical subjectivity.
