Zelenskyy faces backlash as Ukrainians protest new anti-corruption law
By Illia Novikov, Associated Press
Kyiv, Ukraine (AP) – Ukrainian activists called for more demonstrations on Wednesday against a law which, according to them, weakens the country’s anti -corruption dogs, after the first major demonstration against the country’s government in more than three years of war. Legislation has also written heating of European Union officials and international rights groups.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, under pressure when the change threatened to endanger his public support at a critical moment in the war, summoned the heads of the head of Ukraine on Wednesday morning to approve the new law which was adopted by Parliament.
“We all hear what the company says,” wrote Zelenskyy on Telegram after the meeting. But he insisted on the fact that the new legal framework was necessary to suppress stronger against corruption.
“Criminal affairs should not drag for years without verdicts, and those who work against Ukraine must not feel comfortable or safe from punishment,” said the Ukrainian chief.
He said that all government agencies have agreed to work constructively and meet public expectations in terms of equity and efficiency. A detailed joint action plan is expected within two weeks, aimed at combating institutional weaknesses, eliminating legal obstacles and ensuring justice at all levels, he said.
Thousands of people gathered Tuesday evening in the capital and other cities of Ukraine to urge Zelenskyy to veto the controversial bill. After Zelenskyy approved it, activists called social media for another demonstration in the center of kyiv at 8 p.m. Wednesday.
Legislation is tightening government surveillance from two main anti-corruption agencies. Critics claim that the stage could considerably weaken the independence of these agencies and give the Zelenskyy circle a greater influence on surveys.
EU officials warn against the possible reverse to join block
The fight against rooted corruption is crucial for Ukraine’s aspirations to join the EU and maintain access to billions of dollars in Western aid in its fight against the three -year invasion of Russia.
“Limit the independence of the Ukraine anti-corruption agency hinders the way from Ukraine to the EU,” German Minister for Foreign Affairs Johann Wadephul said in an article on X.
EU defense commissioner Andrius Kubilius, also on X, noted: “At war, confidence between the combat nation and its leadership is more important than modern weapons – difficult to build and keep, but easy to lose with a significant error by leadership.”
The Ukrainian branch of Transparency International criticized the decision of the Parliament, saying that it undermines one of the most important reforms since Ukraine called its revolution of dignity in 2014, and damages trust with international partners. He accused the authorities of “dismantling” the country’s anti-corruption architecture.
Zelenskyy was the international face of the determination of Ukraine to overcome the total invasion of Russia, and its internal problems are an unwelcome diversion of the war effort.
Zelenskyy said the new law eliminates the “Russian influence” from the fight against corruption and guarantees punishment for guilty recognized people, after what he said was a delay in criminal procedures involving enormous sums of money.
“The cases that are dormant must be investigates,” said Zelenskyy in a telegram post after midnight on Wednesday. “For years, officials who have fled Ukraine have lived casually abroad for any reason – in very kind and legal consequences – and this is not normal,” he said.
He did not provide examples of what he said to be a Russian interference.
Russian officials submitted Zelenskyy’s difficulties. Russian ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova made fun of the claim of Zelenskyy’s Russian infiltration in the anti-corruption agency, noting sarcastically as “they could just as well draw some bears from the corner”.
Russia and the Ukraine plan talks to Istanbul
The delegations of Russia and Ukraine had to meet in Istanbul on Wednesday for their third round of direct talks in two months, said Kremlin and Ukrainian officials. The meeting should not progress by finishing the war and would probably focus on the exchanges of prisoners of war.
Legal changes in Ukraine would grant the prosecutor the new authority for investigations and cases dealt with by the National Office of the Ukraine Anti-corruption (NABU) and the Specialized Office of the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor (SAPO).
The atmosphere of anger and frustration among the Ukrainians of the war prevailed Tuesday in the crowd. Some demonstrators have accused Ukraine management of prioritizing loyalty and personal ties on the fight against corruption.
“Those who have sworn to protect the laws and the constitution have rather chosen to protect their inner circle, even to the detriment of Ukrainian democracy,” said veteran Oleh Symoroz, sitting in a wheelchair because his two legs were cut after being injured in 2022.
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