President Volodymyr Zelenskyy promised new legislation addressing concerns over a recently passed law that subordinates the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) to the prosecutor general. Critics, including the European Union, argue this undermines Ukraine's anti-corruption efforts and jeopardizes its EU accession bid. The law's passage followed raids on NABU offices and arrests of employees suspected of spying for Russia or having ties to Moscow.

Thousands protested in Kyiv and other cities, defying martial law, to voice their opposition. Protesters expressed concerns that the law contradicts Ukraine's stated goals of fighting corruption and joining the EU. Zelenskyy maintains the law is necessary to counter suspected Russian influence within anti-corruption agencies. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and others have expressed strong concerns and demanded explanations.

The controversy risks alienating Western allies and deepening internal divisions within Ukraine at a critical time in the war with Russia. Analysts warn the changes could erode public trust in Zelenskyy's leadership and play into the Kremlin's hands.

Impact Statement: The law's passage and the subsequent protests create significant political instability within Ukraine and damage its international standing, potentially impacting foreign aid and its EU aspirations.