Political analyst and journalist Vitaliy Portnikov shared his views on the recent protests in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities triggered by amendments to anti-corruption legislation.
According to Portnikov, the authorities crossed "red lines" by stripping anti-corruption agencies of their independence, raising suspicions of attempts to cover up high-level corruption. He emphasized that the rushed adoption of the law angered both Ukrainian society and Western allies, on whose financial support Ukraine relies.
Portnikov pointed out that attempts to restore the independence of anti-corruption bodies may face difficulties in Parliament due to a fragmented coalition, as the ruling party no longer holds a majority. He stated that political decisions should be made after carefully considering all possible outcomes, rather than acting impulsively.
The expert also warned about risks inherent in the new bill, including provisions that could threaten citizens’ inviolability of home and reduce prosecutorial independence—developments he considers more dangerous to democracy than changes to anti-corruption institutions alone.
Portnikov stressed that restoring NABU and SAP's independence might help rebuild trust between government and society but noted the situation has already affected the attitudes of Western partners and Ukraine's international support. He warned that such crises could undermine trust in Ukraine abroad, especially from critics like Donald Trump.
He expressed hope that authorities will learn from this episode and act more carefully in the future, as crossing "red lines" could provoke further public backlash.
