Latest news with #Kremlin-backed
NBC News
5 days ago
- Politics
- NBC News
Can Volodymyr Zelenskyy recover from his self-made crisis?
KYIV, Ukraine — The reversal was almost as swift as the outpouring of public fury. But the question is how much this week's sudden crisis in Ukraine has nonetheless tarnished the talismanic image of its leader, a man crucial in rallying support at home and abroad for the fight against Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday appeared to reverse his attempt to seize sweeping powers over the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office. Saying he heard the concerns of his people and Western backers, he has now introduced a law that he said would guarantee their independence — and the agencies themselves said they were satisfied. Many Ukrainians are eager to point out that this open-eared approach — taking immediate action to remedy the problem — is a drastic change from past administrations that dismissed or even silenced such concerns. But some fear the damage may already be done. 'For Zelenskyy, this is a serious crisis of legitimacy,' Oleksandra Keudel, an assistant professor of public policy and governance at the Kyiv School of Economics, told NBC News in an email. 'I'm not sure it's reversible.' Now known as a camo-clad wartime leader, Zelenskyy was a comedian elected in 2019 promising to root out the corruption that has plagued Ukraine since it gained modern independence in 1991. He was widely lauded for his anti-corruption fight — adding fuel to the dismay over his quixotic power grab. Ukrainians took to the streets in their thousands, some shouting 'shame!' outside the legislature in Kyiv. With his legislative about-face Thursday, Zelenskyy has at least undone the immediate machinery that so worried observers, domestic and foreign. 'It is important that Ukrainians are responding with such dignity to everything thatʼs happening,' he said. He conceded in a conversation with journalists that 'probably, there should have been a dialogue' before going ahead with the law. 'I am focused on the issue of the war,' he added. 'For me, it was very important that we listened and responded adequately. People asked for changes. We responded.' When asked for comment on the criticisms, Zelenskyy's office referred NBC News to the comments made Thursday. What hurts Ukrainians is the perception that the government could so easily undo the hard-fought progress won during the Maidan uprising of 2014 that ousted the Kremlin-backed leader Viktor Yanukovych. Mykhailo Sobaliev, an 18-year-old student, says that back then, his father was the head of the parliament's anti-graft committee and was directly involved in establishing the two bodies whose power Zelenskyy's law sought to curb. When Russia launched its full-scale invasion, his father immediately signed up with the territorial defense units protecting the capital, and now he is fighting in Zaporizhzhia. Sobaliev describes Zelenskyy's law as 'ugly' and 'outrageous,' and knows criticizing the government during wartime is a gift to Ukraine's enemies. But he sees the public outrage as 'a manifestation that democracy still exists and is alive.' Indeed, many here are eager to point out that the protests, during a period of martial law when such large gatherings can be restricted, would not be possible in Russia, w hich has brutally crushed far meeker displays of dissent. Many Ukrainians see this civic surge as intrinsically linked with the attritional violence on the front lines; if these values are not protected at home, then what are the troops fighting for? The war has become 'hard — very hard,' said Aristarkh, 50, a Ukrainian special forces officer, who like most Ukrainian soldiers only uses one name for security reasons. 'It's very difficult to stay motivated,' he said. However 'when I saw this number of people' protesting and 'also fighting for their country,' he felt 'incredible pride,' he added. 'It just raises your level of motivation an order of magnitude.' Jessica Berlin, a senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, a Washington think tank, is a vocal supporter of Ukraine. The initial law was one of Zelenskyy's 'worst political mistakes since the full scale invasion began,' she said, breaking 'the unspoken contract between the Ukrainian government and people that has held through over three traumatic, exhausting years.' The public has 'refrained from mass protests' in 'the good faith belief that the government is doing everything to win the war and restore security while not overstepping their wartime powers or threatening the democratic progress,' she said. But 'for many Ukrainians, this bill crosses a red line.' The opprobrium was far from just domestic, with leaders across Europe voicing their disquiet and urging Zelenskyy to rethink. Others fear his standing has been undermined for the longer term. 'Until now, Zelenskyy and his team have been recognized as 'good guys,'' said Drago Kos, former chairman of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development's Working Group on Bribery in International Business Transactions. But this week has posed uncomfortable questions: 'Why are the 'good guys' afraid of anti-corruption efforts within their own country?' he said.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Zelenskyy under pressure as anti-corruption rollback sparks backlash
AT a rare protest in central Kyiv on Wednesday, demonstrators rallied against a law that curbs the power of anti-corruption agencies, warning the fight for Ukraine's democracy was taking place both on the battlefield and at home. The legislation, removing the independence of two key anti-corruption bodies, sparked the first major protests in Ukraine since it began fighting off the Russian invasion over three years ago. "Our struggle takes place on two fronts. Our main enemy is external, but we have an internal battle, too," said protester Viacheslav Bykov. "We don't want Ukraine to be part of Russia, we don't want a corrupt or authoritarian Ukraine. We want a free Ukraine." Several thousand demonstrators — mostly young — called for a veto to the law passed by Ukraine's parliament on Tuesday. The law places the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) under the authority of the prosecutor-general, who is appointed by the president. Critics say the legislation would facilitate presidential interference in corruption probes and threatens the independence of key institutions in Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to the backlash on Wednesday evening, saying he would submit a new bill ensuring "all norms for the independence of anti-corruption institutions will be in place". Kyiv's partners had reacted with alarm, including European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen, who the European Union (EU) said demanded explanations from Zelenskyy over the change. Civil society groups warn the bill is part of a broader pattern of pressure on anti-corruption activists and bodies. Some European allies worry the moves will undermine anti-corruption reforms key to Ukraine's bid to join the EU — a fear shared by many of the protesters. "We've worked for years to move closer to Europe... only to be thrown back 10 years in a single day," said protester Anya Kutsevol. Ukraine's two anti-corruption bodies, NABU and SAPO, were born a decade ago in the wake of the 2014 Maidan revolution. Those pro-European protests, centred on Kyiv's main square, also called Maidan, ousted a Kremlin-backed leader who scrapped a key partnership agreement with the EU. The Kremlin, which refused to accept Ukraine's democratic turn towards Europe, then launched a first assault over Ukraine that led Moscow-backed separatists to occupy Crimea and parts of the eastern Donbas region. "Ukraine is Europe," said Kutsevol. "We won't be returned to Russia. We will keep fighting for Europe." Some fear that a political crisis over the legislation could work in Russia's favour by undermining unity within the country, which is struggling to hold the front. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov seized on the opportunity to say there was "a lot of corruption" in Ukraine. "If I were Russia, I would do the same," said another protester, Yevgen Popovychenko, convinced that Moscow would try to exploit the protests. He was holding a banner that read: "Don't take me back" to the years of Maidan, where he took to the streets as a 21-year-old. As he stood in the crowd, he said he was having flashbacks from Maidan, a feeling shared by his friends. But many other protesters were only children during the famed 2014 demonstrations — including 25-year-old Kutsevol. "When tyres were still burning, I was 14. What good was I?" she said. Wednesday's was her first political protest, and she teared up looking at people gathered around her for the second day in a row, despite martial law banning large gatherings. She vowed to keep defending Ukraine's democracy. "We're adults now. Now it's our turn."
Int'l Business Times
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
'A Free Ukraine': Kyiv Protests Law Threatening Anti-corruption Bodies
At a rare protest in central Kyiv demonstrators rallied Wednesday against a law that curbs the power of anti-corruption agencies, warning the fight for Ukraine's democracy was taking place both on the battlefield and at home. The legislation, removing the independence of two key anti-corruption bodies, sparked the first major protests in Ukraine since it began fighting off the Russian invasion over three years ago. "Our struggle takes place on two fronts. Our main enemy is external, but we have an internal battle too," said protester Viacheslav Bykov. "We don't want Ukraine to be part of Russia, we don't want a corrupt or authoritarian Ukraine. We want a free Ukraine," he added. Several thousand demonstrators -- mostly young -- gathered outside a theatre in Kyiv, calling for a veto to the law passed by Ukraine's parliament on Tuesday. The law places the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) under the direct authority of the prosecutor general, who is appointed by the president. Critics say the legislation would facilitate presidential interference in corruption probes and threatens the independence of key institutions in Ukraine. Zelensky responded to the backlash on Wednesday evening, saying he would submit a new bill ensuring "all norms for the independence of anti-corruption institutions will be in place". Kyiv's partners had reacted with alarm, including European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen, who the EU said demanded explanations from Zelensky over the change. Civil society groups warn the bill is part of a broader pattern of pressure on anti-corruption activists and bodies. Some European allies worry the moves will undermine anti-corruption reforms key to Ukraine's bid to join the European Union -- a fear shared by many protesting on Wednesday. "We've worked for years to move closer to Europe... only to be thrown back 10 years in a single day," said protester Anya Kutsevol. Ukraine's two anti-corruption bodies, NABU and SAPO, were born a decade ago in the wake of the 2014 Maidan revolution. Those pro-European protests, centred on Kyiv's main square, also called Maidan, ousted a Kremlin-backed leader who scrapped a key partnership agreement with the EU. The Kremlin, which refused to accept Ukraine's democratic turn toward Europe, then launched a first assault over Ukraine that led Moscow-backed separatists to occupy Crimea and parts of the eastern Donbas region. "Ukraine is Europe," Kutsevol said, "we won't be returned to Russia. We'll keep fighting for Europe." Some fear that a political crisis over the legislation could work in Russia's favour by undermining unity within the country, which is struggling to hold the front. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov seized on the opportunity to say there was "a lot of corruption" in Ukraine. "If I were Russia, I would do the same," said another protester, Yevgen Popovychenko, convinced Moscow would try to exploit the protests. He was holding a banner that read: "Don't take me back" to the years of Maidan, where he took to the streets as a 21-year-old. As he stood in the crowd, he said he was having flashbacks from Maidan, a feeling shared by his friends. But many other protestors were only children during the famed 2014 demonstrations -- including 25-year-old Kutsevol. "When tyres were still burning, I was 14. What good was I?" she said. Wednesday's was her first political protest, and she teared up looking at people gathered around her for the second day in a row, despite martial law banning large gatherings. She vowed to keep defending Ukraine's democracy. "We're adults now. Now it's our turn." Critics say the law threatens the independence of key institutions AFP A protester says 'Ukraine is not Mordor', likening Moscow to the fictional dark realm AFP The pro-European Maidan protests took place a decade ago AFP
International Business Times
22-07-2025
- Politics
- International Business Times
Did Derek Huffman Die? American Man Ends in Ukraine War Zone After Fleeing from the US to Escape Woke America
An American man named Derek Huffman, 46, had ended up in the Ukraine war zone after fleeing from the US to escape woke America. The Texan father uprooted his wife DeAnna and three daughters to Russia early this year to escape the woke ideology. Huffman moved his family to a small town of Istra, near Moscow, claiming that the country had become overrun by ideology. Huffman allegedly took advantage of the Kremlin-backed visa programme that attracted westerners who were against liberal ideals. The American man described it as "a fresh start in a country that respects family values". But his dreams of leading a quiet life with the family members in Russia took a dramatic turn. The father of three has been reportedly sent to the frontlines of the Ukraine war zone to fight for Putin. The Texan father was initially promised a non-combat role and posted as a welder in the Russian military. He was then recruited as a war correspondent before sending him to an alarming war zone, according to his wife. She said her husband now finds himself close to the battlefield. DeAnna Huffman said her husband received limited military training in Russia and has been "thrown to the wolves". The Last Message Mr Huffman's family now awaits an update about him in fear since he had only minimal instructions before being deployed. She added that her husband is "leaning on faith" to survive. He had his last communication with the family on Father's Day in June when they received a video clip. The video featured him in full camouflage. "I miss you all more than you can imagine. I can't wait to see you, hopefully, I get a vacation at some point and I get to go home and spend a couple of weeks with you. But man, you're on my mind 24/7 and just know that what I'm doing is important to me and important to our family. Just know I will do whatever it takes to be safe and to come home to you. Take care of each other," the Texan father said in the video clip. Though the family has not heard from him, they insist that he is doing fine. A YouTube channel, which has been deleted, directed its followers to a Telegram group titled Save the Little Girls. It is unclear who created this group, but it has an emotional photo featuring DeAnna and her three daughters crying in the streets. The image was accompanied by a plea - "We are asking the United States government to save this family". Derek Huffman with his wife and three daughters. X Reason to Flee America The family decided to flee the country due to his growing frustration from progressive teachings in schools. Mr Huffman said after moving from Arizona to Texas that he was horrified to know his daughter was expected to discuss lesbian relationships in school. He called that moment the final straw. The American man sealed the deal in 2023 during a scouting trip to Moscow. He and his wife claimed that they found the country safer, cleaner, and More in tune with their values. Upon reaching Russia, the family quickly settled into an expat commune, established by pro-Kremlin US blogger Tim Kirby. The community, known as the American Village, attracted two families to date, and the Huffmans are one of them. The Texan father was eager to prove his loyalty to Russia and insisted that he was not searching for handouts. "The point of this act for me is to earn a place here in Russia. If I risk myself for our new country, no one will say that I am not a part of it. Unlike migrants in America who come there just like that, do not assimilate, and at the same time want free handouts," Daily Mail quoted Mr Huffman. However, his wife said that her husband was misled and will be put on the frontlines. "When he signed up and had all of that done, he was told he would not be training for two weeks and going straight to the front lines. But, it seems as though he is getting one more week of training, closer to the front lines, and then they are going to put him on the front lines. Being alone in a new country, raising kids, and trying to stay strong has tested me in ways I never imagined," she shared.
Newsweek
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Melania Trump Attacked in Russian State Media
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A Russian newspaper has disparaged Melania Trump as Kremlin-backed media speculate about whether the first lady is behind President Donald Trump's Ukraine policy. Pro-Kremlin newspaper Vzglyad said "it would be better for him [Trump] to buy her shoes than to sell Patriots (missiles) to Kyiv" in an op-ed Monday that described the first lady as a "danger to Russia." Russian state TV has also taken aim at Melania Trump, saying she is responsible for the U.S. president's apparently tougher stance toward Putin which has seen him pledge more weapons for Kyiv and threaten more sanctions on Moscow. Newsweek has contacted the White House for comment via email outside of regular office hours. First lady Melania Trump departs the White House with U.S. President Donald Trump on July 11, 2025 in Washington, DC. First lady Melania Trump departs the White House with U.S. President Donald Trump on July 11, 2025 in Washington, It Matters After months of expressing how Trump can serve Moscow's interests, Kremlin propagandists have changed their tone, especially after the U.S. president pledged more weapons for Ukraine and threatened more sanctions on Moscow. A focus for Kremlin media in recent days has been Trump's comments about his unhappiness with Putin, as well as his references to remarks Melania Trump made about the Russia-Ukraine conflict. What To Know In an article on Monday headlined, "Melania Trumpenko's danger to Russia underestimated," Vzgylad referred to the moniker given to the first lady over her alleged "significant" role in her husband's policy with regards to Ukraine. The paper described how the U.S. president had told reporters how his wife would tell him another city in Ukraine had been shelled soon after he had spoken with Putin. Modified photos of the first lady with attached Ukrainian iconography on her clothing have formed social media memes in recent days. "It would be better for him to buy her shoes than to sell Patriots to Kyiv. It would be cheaper," the paper added referring to the missile system that President Trump said can be provided to Ukraine. Russian state TV has also taken a swipe at the first lady. In front of revealing years-old images of Melania Trump which Russian TV has used before to disparage her, anchor of 60 Minutes, Olga Skabeyeva, described the first lady as a "Ukrainian agent." Skabeyeva then outlined U.K. newspaper reports that she was behind her husband's tougher line on Putin, in the clip posted by Russia watcher Julia Davis. One of her guests, Moscow-based political scientist Malek Dudakov downplayed her role and said that the couple "has certain marital problems," and "doesn't even live with Trump." In May, the White House described claims by political biographer Michael Wolff that the couple was separated as "blatant lies and fabrications." What People Are Saying Russian newspaper Vzglyad: "Melania Trumpenko's danger to Russia is way or another, Melania is now a symbol of new hope for Ukrainians." Russian state TV anchor Olga Skabeyeva: "Melania Trump whom conspiracy theorists previously considered to be a Kremlin became a Ukrainian agent, Melania Trumpenko." Trump said during a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office, per USA Today: "I go home, I tell the first lady, 'You know, I spoke to Vladimir today. We had a wonderful conversation.' And she said, 'Oh really? Another city was just hit,'" What Happens Next While Ukraine has welcomed Trump's pledge for weaponry and Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine through NATO, Russia continues to bombard Ukrainian cities. Meanwhile, the prospect of peace talks, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested could take place this week, remain unlikely amid reports that Putin retains his maximalist demands in the war he started.
