Latest news with #Zelensky
The Irish Sun
2 minutes ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Massive protests sweep Kyiv over corruption reform in biggest challenge to Zelensky since Putin's invasion of Ukraine
MAJOR protests have started to sweep across Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a controversial corruption bill. Critics fear the new law may weaken the country's anti-corruption bodies by stripping the two main organisations in the embattled nation of their independence. Advertisement 9 Protests have started across Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bill that critics fear will weaken the country's anti-corruption bodies Credit: AFP 9 The demonstarions in central Kyiv continued late into the night Credit: AP 9 Lviv also saw similar remonstrations as did several cities in Ukraine Credit: Reuters 9 Many came armed with passionate placards Credit: Reuters Zelensky addressed the criticism he has faced in recent days but assured his fellow country men and women that both agencies would still "work" as usual. He warned that the bill needed to be passed in order to clear the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) of "Russian influence". The offices of the two agencies were raided by Ukraine's security services on Monday after infiltration allegations from Moscow emerged. All corruption cases in Ukraine will now placed under the control of the prosecutor general, Ruslan Kravchenko. Advertisement read more in Ukraine Zelensky says this will allow criminal proceedings, sometimes worth in the billions, to be investigated quicker. He claims that the current anti-corruption infrastructure often allows for important cases to be left "lying dormant" for years. The President added that the prosecutor general would ensure "the inevitability of punishment" for those who broke the law. But many civilians strongly disagreed with his beliefs saying the bill now gives Zelensky ultimate power over independent bodies. Advertisement Most read in The US Sun After the bill passed, thousands of people came together in the capitla of Kyiv to take part in the biggest anti-government protest since the start of Russia 's barbaric invasion in February 2022. Dmytro Koziatynskyi, a war veteran, is said to have first rallied Kyiv residents on Tuesday. Why Putin's $1 TRILLION military surge is just 'smoke and mirrors' - and even the tyrant knows it He urged people to gather at the square near the Ivan Franko Theatre due to it being "the closest viable spot to the President's Office". He announced plans on social media as he said: "Time is not on our side. Advertisement "We must take to the streets tonight and urge Zelensky to prevent a return to the dark days of Yanukovych. See you this evening!" Lviv, Dnipro and Odesa also saw demonstrations overnight. The protests remained peaceful throughout despite an increased police presence across Ukraine . Many took homemade placards with messages directed towards the government. Advertisement One read: "We chose Europe, not autocracy." Another said: "My father did not die for this." 9 Anti-government chants could be also be heard during the marches Credit: AP 9 The Ivan Franko National Theater building in Kyiv had the slogan 'Veto the law' projected onto it Credit: Getty Advertisement 9 Zelensky says the new bill will allow criminal proceedings, sometimes worth in the billions, to be investigated quicker Credit: Getty Kyiv mayor and former world heavyweight champion, Vitali Klitschko , was among the protesters. He has clashed with Zelensky on dozens of occasions since becoming mayor as he told reporters on the ground: 'Sapo and Nabu must remain independent institutions." The issue is due to continue to rage on for some time after the Ukrainian parliament voted for the law on July 22. Advertisement It was swiftly approved by the speaker shortly afterwards. The heads of NABU and SAPO quickly implored President Zelensky to go back on the decree. The issue of anti-corruption independence in Ukraine has also branched out across Europe in the past 24 hours. Several G7 ambassadors voiced their concerns over the bill. Advertisement The European Union also warned against Ukraine's making any hasty judgements. What are Zelensky's controversial reforms? PRESIDENT Volodymyr Zelensky has signed into law a new bill surrounding the independence of Ukraine's two key anti-corruption institutions. The bill was passed with the support of 263 lawmakers, with 13 voting against it and 13 abstaining. The new law now brings the independent National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office under the lead of the prosecutor general of Ukraine, Ruslan Kravchenko. Ruslan is now able to transfer cases from the agencies and reassign prosecutors. Zelensky believes the change will speed up the process of finalising cases as well as stamp out any alleged Russian influence. But the head of NABU says the bill will "destroy" Ukraine's anti-corruption infrastructure. 9 Kyiv residents take part in the rally which remained peaceful Credit: Getty 9 All corruption cases in Ukraine will now placed under the control of the prosecutor general, Ruslan Kravchenko Credit: Getty
Scottish Sun
3 minutes ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Massive protests sweep Kyiv over corruption reform in biggest challenge to Zelensky since Putin's invasion of Ukraine
MAJOR protests have started to sweep across Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a controversial corruption bill. Critics fear the new law may weaken the country's anti-corruption bodies by stripping the two main organisations in the embattled nation of their independence. 9 Protests have started across Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bill that critics fear will weaken the country's anti-corruption bodies Credit: AFP 9 The demonstarions in central Kyiv continued late into the night Credit: AP 9 Lviv also saw similar remonstrations as did several cities in Ukraine Credit: Reuters 9 Many came armed with passionate placards Credit: Reuters Zelensky addressed the criticism he has faced in recent days but assured his fellow country men and women that both agencies would still "work" as usual. He warned that the bill needed to be passed in order to clear the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) of "Russian influence". The offices of the two agencies were raided by Ukraine's security services on Monday after infiltration allegations from Moscow emerged. All corruption cases in Ukraine will now placed under the control of the prosecutor general, Ruslan Kravchenko. Zelensky says this will allow criminal proceedings, sometimes worth in the billions, to be investigated quicker. He claims that the current anti-corruption infrastructure often allows for important cases to be left "lying dormant" for years. The President added that the prosecutor general would ensure "the inevitability of punishment" for those who broke the law. But many civilians strongly disagreed with his beliefs saying the bill now gives Zelensky ultimate power over independent bodies. After the bill passed, thousands of people came together in the capitla of Kyiv to take part in the biggest anti-government protest since the start of Russia's barbaric invasion in February 2022. Dmytro Koziatynskyi, a war veteran, is said to have first rallied Kyiv residents on Tuesday. Why Putin's $1 TRILLION military surge is just 'smoke and mirrors' - and even the tyrant knows it He urged people to gather at the square near the Ivan Franko Theatre due to it being "the closest viable spot to the President's Office". He announced plans on social media as he said: "Time is not on our side. "We must take to the streets tonight and urge Zelensky to prevent a return to the dark days of Yanukovych. See you this evening!" Lviv, Dnipro and Odesa also saw demonstrations overnight. The protests remained peaceful throughout despite an increased police presence across Ukraine. Many took homemade placards with messages directed towards the government. One read: "We chose Europe, not autocracy." Another said: "My father did not die for this." 9 Anti-government chants could be also be heard during the marches Credit: AP 9 The Ivan Franko National Theater building in Kyiv had the slogan 'Veto the law' projected onto it Credit: Getty 9 Zelensky says the new bill will allow criminal proceedings, sometimes worth in the billions, to be investigated quicker Credit: Getty Kyiv mayor and former world heavyweight champion, Vitali Klitschko, was among the protesters. He has clashed with Zelensky on dozens of occasions since becoming mayor as he told reporters on the ground: 'Sapo and Nabu must remain independent institutions." The issue is due to continue to rage on for some time after the Ukrainian parliament voted for the law on July 22. It was swiftly approved by the speaker shortly afterwards. The heads of NABU and SAPO quickly implored President Zelensky to go back on the decree. The issue of anti-corruption independence in Ukraine has also branched out across Europe in the past 24 hours. Several G7 ambassadors voiced their concerns over the bill. The European Union also warned against Ukraine's making any hasty judgements. What are Zelensky's controversial reforms? PRESIDENT Volodymyr Zelensky has signed into law a new bill surrounding the independence of Ukraine's two key anti-corruption institutions. The bill was passed with the support of 263 lawmakers, with 13 voting against it and 13 abstaining. The new law now brings the independent National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office under the lead of the prosecutor general of Ukraine, Ruslan Kravchenko. Ruslan is now able to transfer cases from the agencies and reassign prosecutors. Zelensky believes the change will speed up the process of finalising cases as well as stamp out any alleged Russian influence. But the head of NABU says the bill will "destroy" Ukraine's anti-corruption infrastructure. 9 Kyiv residents take part in the rally which remained peaceful Credit: Getty
Saudi Gazette
17 minutes ago
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Protests in Ukraine as Zelensky signs bill targeting anti-corruption bodies
KYIV — President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a bill that critics say weakens the independence of Ukraine's anti-corruption bodies, sparking protests in several cities and drawing international criticism. The new law grants the prosecutor general control of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (Sapo), and critics say it undermines their authority. In an address on Wednesday, Zelensky said both agencies would still "work" but needed to be cleared of "Russian influence". After the bill passed, hundreds of people gathered in Kyiv for the biggest anti-government protest since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Demonstrations were also seen in the cities of Lviv, Dnipro and Odesa. "We chose Europe, not autocracy," said a poster held by one demonstrator. "My father did not die for this," said another. Ukraine's chief prosecutor, Zelensky loyalist Ruslan Kravchenko, will now be able to reassign corruption probes to potentially more pliant investigators, and even to close them. In his overnight address, Zelensky criticised the efficiency of Ukraine's anti-corruption infrastructure, saying cases had been "lying dormant". "There is no rational explanation for why criminal proceedings worth billions have been 'hanging' for years," he said. He added that the prosecutor general would ensure "the inevitability of punishment" for those who broke the law. To critics of the legislation, this is at odds with more than a decade of pro-democracy and anti-corruption efforts. It is such aspirations that led to the Euromaidan uprising and the downfall of pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych in 2014, followed by Russia's invasion and the deaths of hundreds of thousands people. The Ukrainian government has cited Russian influence for curtailing Nabu's powers. The day before the controversial law was passed, Ukraine's Security Service and the prosecutor general's office carried out searches and arrests targeting alleged Russian spies at Nabu. The move has sparked concern among Ukraine's Western allies. The Ukrainian independent anti-corruption system was set up at their insistence and under their supervision 10 years ago. It was a key precondition for their aid and stronger ties as Ukraine declared a pro-democracy course amid Russia's initial invasion of 2014. "The European Union is concerned about Ukraine's recent actions with regard to its anti-corruption institutions," says European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier. "The EU provides significant financial assistance to Ukraine, conditional on progress in transparency, judicial reform, and democratic governance." Stamping out corruption is also a key requirement for Ukraine's application to join the EU. The European commissioner for enlargement, Marta Kos, criticised the bill's adoption. "The dismantling of key safeguards protecting Nabu's independence is a serious step back," Kos wrote on social media, saying the two bodies were "essential" for Ukraine's EU path. Ukraine's deputy prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration, Taras Kachka, said he had assured Marta Kos there would be no compromise on anti-corruption, and that "all core functions remain intact". Dmytro Kuleba, who stood down as foreign minister last year, said it was a "bad day for Ukraine" and that the president had a choice — either to stand on the side of the people or not. Ambassadors from the G7 group of nations have said they would like to discuss the pressure on Nabu and Sapo with the Ukrainian leadership. However, Ukraine's allies would be extremely reluctant to roll back the aid and co-operation at a time when its troops are struggling on the frontline. — BBC
Al Bawaba
an hour ago
- Politics
- Al Bawaba
Zelensky's anti-corruption bill trigger protests in Kyiv
Published July 23rd, 2025 - 07:07 GMT ALBAWABA - Hundreds took to the streets of Kyiv to protest against Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky on Tuesday, over his decision to ink an anti-corruption bill. Also Read Video: Italian Zelensky shocks the internet According to protesters, Zelensky agreed to a bill to back legislation curbing the independence of anti-corruption agencies. In detail, the Ukrainian leader signed a bill into law granting the Prosecutor General's Office authority to intervene in the operations of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) sparking anger across the country. Kyiv, right stopped tanks —don't think they won't stop corruption breaks this nation. I love my people. — UAVoyager🇺🇦 (@NAFOvoyager) July 22, 2025 According to Russian media, the protests erupted after several security raids on NABU offices where a senior official was arrested and accused of spying for Moscow. The new law triggered concern by European countries and drew sharp criticism from opposition politicians. Demonstrations were held in central Kyiv and people chanted "Zelya is the devil," using a mocking diminutive of Zelensky's surname. In addition, protesters were also heard shouting "Shame" and "Treason," holding signs calling to freeze the bill and preserve the anti-corruption system's independence. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
Gulf Insider
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Gulf Insider
Zelensky Shuts Down US-Backed Anti-Corruption Agency
In one of the largest demonstrations against the Ukrainian government since Russia invaded more than three years ago, WSJ reports that more than 2,000 people gathered near the president's office, shouting 'shame' and 'veto the law,' after President Zelensky signed a law gutting the country's anti-corruption agency. The contentious measure grants his office greater control over the country's independent anti-corruption bodies, in a move that critics warn would hand his circle enormous influence over investigations. The FT reports that lawmakers hastily voted on Tuesday in favor of legislation that eliminated the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and its partner organisation the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO). The bodies will be placed under the wartime authority of the prosecutor-general, who is appointed by the president. 'What's happening is the demolition of the anticorruption infrastructure in Ukraine,' said Daria Kaleniuk, co-founder of the nongovernmental Anticorruption Action Center, who helped establish NABU after the 2014 revolution toppled a pro-Russian leader. She added that in recent months the U.S. seems to have dropped its emphasis on anticorruption efforts in Ukraine, which has freed the government's hand to defang NABU. There's more to this tale than just a simple tyrant being greedy and holding on to power though as Moon of Alabama notes, an anti-corruption investigation had lately been moving in on some persons near to Zelensky himself. Zelenski's opposition was using the anti-corruption complex, the attached NGOs and media to keep some pressure on the government. Last week's public-relation attack by the opposition against Zelenski, via the Financial Times and other media, was supposed to gain it support from U.S. and European governments. However throughout the weekend no western support in form of public statements etc was received. The Zelenski regime interpreted this as a green light to take down the last institution in Ukraine which is not under its direct control. … The blitz against the anti-corruption organizations (accusations and searches on Monday, new law dismantling them on Tuesday) by the Zelenski regime was designed to surprise those who might have an interest in keeping some independent institutions in Ukraine. It is now too late to oppose it. It also prevents NABU and SAPO from bringing up cases of corruption against Zelenski's operators as well as against the president himself. A European Commission spokesperson warned that the move could hold back Ukraine's bid to join the EU and pointed out that Brussels' funding to Kyiv was 'conditional on progress on transparency, judicial reform and democratic government'. Ambassadors from the Group of Seven countries in Kyiv said after meeting with officials from the anticorruption office on Tuesday that they 'have serious concerns and intend to discuss these developments with government leaders.' Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv and a frequent critic of Zelensky, said the law 'definitely does not bring it [Ukraine] closer to democracy, the rule of law and legality—to those values for which our soldiers are dying today.' Its authors, he added, were 'dragging Ukraine into authoritarianism.' Also read: Trump Announces 'Largest Trade Deal Ever' With Japan, Sets Tariffs Rate At 15%; JGBs Plunge
