Latest news with #pro-Moscow
Winnipeg Free Press
6 days ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Ukrainians are protesting a law targeting anti-corruption agencies. Here's why
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainians are taking to the streets to protest a new law they worry will undermine the work of two key anti-corruption agencies, by eroding the independence of bodies meant to provide a check on power. Discontent over the law led to the first major demonstration against the government in more than three years of war, marking the most serious fracture yet in the national unity that has helped Ukraine resist Russia's invasion. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy defended the law as necessary to remove 'Russian influence' from the fight against corruption, though he didn't provide examples of such interference. The law adds new oversight for anti-corruption agencies Ukraine's parliament passed a bill on Tuesday that brings the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) under the authority of the prosecutor general, who is a presidential appointee. Zelenskyy signed it into law, even as thousands took to the streets asking him to scrap it. Critics say it could give Zelenskyy's circle greater influence over investigations. It comes after Zelenskyy carried out a reshuffle of his wartime Cabinet, a move also widely viewed as consolidating power with his inner circle. Before the bill was signed, the agencies warned that, if it took effect, 'the head of SAPO will become a nominal figure, while NABU will lose its independence and turn into a subdivision of the prosecutor general's office.' NABU investigates corruption cases involving top officials, while SAPO supervises these investigations and prosecutes cases in court. The law has unleashed criticism of the government Ukraine has a robust tradition of pro-democracy protests, with street demonstrations twice resulting in political upheavals. In fact, the two agencies in question were established after the 2014 Maidan revolution, which ousted then-President Viktor Yanukovych, Ukraine's pro-Moscow leader who was accused of corruption on a massive scale, stealing hundreds of millions of dollars from the government. His corruption was so vast that ordinary Ukrainians were aghast when they toured the grounds of his lavish mansion and discovered his collection of expensive cars and even a private zoo. Since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, however, rallies have largely focused on the return of prisoners of war or missing people. But Tuesday's demonstrations trained public outrage on the government, with some calling the law a greater blow to morale than even routine Russian drone and missile attacks. A mood of anger and frustration among the war-weary Ukrainians prevailed in the crowd. Some protesters accused Ukraine's leadership of prioritizing loyalty and personal connections over the fight against corruption. 'Ukraine has far fewer resources than Russia in this war,' said Ihor Lachenkov, a blogger and activist who urged people to join the protest through his social media platforms, which reach more than 1.5 million followers. 'If we misuse them, or worse, allow them to end up in the pockets of thieves, our chances of victory diminish. All our resources must go toward the fight.' The protests have raised questions about the state of democracy in Ukraine — one of the values it is fighting for in the war with Russia. 'When a spectacle is staged and pushed through in 24 hours for everyone to swallow, that is not justice,' former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba wrote on Instagram. The government defends the move In his address Tuesday night, Zelenskyy insisted that the country's anti-corruption infrastructure 'will continue to function' after it is 'cleansed of any Russian influence.' He alleged that some cases had been allowed to languish and the targets of some investigations never brought to justice. 'For years, officials who have fled Ukraine have been casually living abroad for some reason — in very nice countries and without legal consequences — and this is not normal,' he said in a Telegram post. On Wednesday, he gathered the heads of law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies and the prosecutor general. He announced that a detailed action plan will be developed within two weeks to ensure the system is more effective and fair. 'We see what people expect from state institutions to ensure justice and the effectiveness of each institution,' he said on Telegram. Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko dismissed concerns about the agencies' independence. 'I can promise that I will not misuse these rights,' he said. 'I could sign this promise in blood, if necessary.' Fighting corruption is crucial to Ukraine's future The Ukrainian branch of Transparency International criticized the law, saying it undermines one of the most significant reforms since the 2014 uprising and that it damages trust with international partners. Fighting entrenched corruption is crucial to Ukraine's bid to join the European Union and maintain access to billions of dollars in Western aid. In a post on X, EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos called the new law 'a serious step back.' The action against the agencies comes only a month after the NABU launched a criminal investigation into then–Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Chernyshov — one of the highest-profile corruption cases since Zelenskyy took office. Chernyshov has denied the allegations but was removed from his post during last week's government reshuffle. It also follows the arrest of two NABU officials on suspicion of having ties to Russia by Ukraine's Security Service.
Hamilton Spectator
6 days ago
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Ukrainians are protesting a law targeting anti-corruption agencies. Here's why
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainians are taking to the streets to protest a new law they worry will undermine the work of two key anti-corruption agencies, by eroding the independence of bodies meant to provide a check on power. Discontent over the law led to the first major demonstration against the government in more than three years of war, marking the most serious fracture yet in the national unity that has helped Ukraine resist Russia's invasion. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy defended the law as necessary to remove 'Russian influence' from the fight against corruption, though he didn't provide examples of such interference. The law adds new oversight for anti-corruption agencies Ukraine's parliament passed a bill on Tuesday that brings the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) under the authority of the prosecutor general, who is a presidential appointee. Zelenskyy signed it into law, even as thousands took to the streets asking him to scrap it. Critics say it could give Zelenskyy's circle greater influence over investigations. It comes after Zelenskyy carried out a reshuffle of his wartime Cabinet , a move also widely viewed as consolidating power with his inner circle. Before the bill was signed, the agencies warned that, if it took effect, 'the head of SAPO will become a nominal figure, while NABU will lose its independence and turn into a subdivision of the prosecutor general's office.' NABU investigates corruption cases involving top officials, while SAPO supervises these investigations and prosecutes cases in court. The law has unleashed criticism of the government Ukraine has a robust tradition of pro-democracy protests , with street demonstrations twice resulting in political upheavals. In fact, the two agencies in question were established after the 2014 Maidan revolution, which ousted then-President Viktor Yanukovych, Ukraine's pro-Moscow leader who was accused of corruption on a massive scale, stealing hundreds of millions of dollars from the government. His corruption was so vast that ordinary Ukrainians were aghast when they toured the grounds of his lavish mansion and discovered his collection of expensive cars and even a private zoo. Since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022 , however, rallies have largely focused on the return of prisoners of war or missing people. But Tuesday's demonstrations trained public outrage on the government, with some calling the law a greater blow to morale than even routine Russian drone and missile attacks. A mood of anger and frustration among the war-weary Ukrainians prevailed in the crowd. Some protesters accused Ukraine's leadership of prioritizing loyalty and personal connections over the fight against corruption. 'Ukraine has far fewer resources than Russia in this war,' said Ihor Lachenkov, a blogger and activist who urged people to join the protest through his social media platforms, which reach more than 1.5 million followers. 'If we misuse them, or worse, allow them to end up in the pockets of thieves, our chances of victory diminish. All our resources must go toward the fight.' The protests have raised questions about the state of democracy in Ukraine — one of the values it is fighting for in the war with Russia. 'When a spectacle is staged and pushed through in 24 hours for everyone to swallow, that is not justice,' former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba wrote on Instagram. The government defends the move In his address Tuesday night, Zelenskyy insisted that the country's anti-corruption infrastructure 'will continue to function' after it is 'cleansed of any Russian influence.' He alleged that some cases had been allowed to languish and the targets of some investigations never brought to justice. 'For years, officials who have fled Ukraine have been casually living abroad for some reason — in very nice countries and without legal consequences — and this is not normal,' he said in a Telegram post. On Wednesday, he gathered the heads of law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies and the prosecutor general. He announced that a detailed action plan will be developed within two weeks to ensure the system is more effective and fair. 'We see what people expect from state institutions to ensure justice and the effectiveness of each institution,' he said on Telegram. Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko dismissed concerns about the agencies' independence. 'I can promise that I will not misuse these rights,' he said. 'I could sign this promise in blood, if necessary.' Fighting corruption is crucial to Ukraine's future The Ukrainian branch of Transparency International criticized the law, saying it undermines one of the most significant reforms since the 2014 uprising and that it damages trust with international partners. Fighting entrenched corruption is crucial to Ukraine's bid to join the European Union and maintain access to billions of dollars in Western aid. In a post on X, EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos called the new law 'a serious step back.' The action against the agencies comes only a month after the NABU launched a criminal investigation into then–Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Chernyshov — one of the highest-profile corruption cases since Zelenskyy took office. Chernyshov has denied the allegations but was removed from his post during last week's government reshuffle. It also follows the arrest of two NABU officials on suspicion of having ties to Russia by Ukraine's Security Service. Error! 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The Hill
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Ukrainians are protesting a law targeting anti-corruption agencies. Here's why
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainians are taking to the streets to protest a new law they worry will undermine the work of two key anti-corruption agencies, by eroding the independence of bodies meant to provide a check on power. Discontent over the law led to the first major demonstration against the government in more than three years of war, marking the most serious fracture yet in the national unity that has helped Ukraine resist Russia's invasion. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy defended the law as necessary to remove 'Russian influence' from the fight against corruption, though he didn't provide examples of such interference. The law adds new oversight for anti-corruption agencies Ukraine's parliament passed a bill on Tuesday that brings the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) under the authority of the prosecutor general, who is a presidential appointee. Zelenskyy signed it into law, even as thousands took to the streets asking him to scrap it. Critics say it could give Zelenskyy's circle greater influence over investigations. It comes after Zelenskyy carried out a reshuffle of his wartime Cabinet, a move also widely viewed as consolidating power with his inner circle. Before the bill was signed, the agencies warned that, if it took effect, 'the head of SAPO will become a nominal figure, while NABU will lose its independence and turn into a subdivision of the prosecutor general's office.' NABU investigates corruption cases involving top officials, while SAPO supervises these investigations and prosecutes cases in court. The law has unleashed criticism of the government Ukraine has a robust tradition of pro-democracy protests, with street demonstrations twice resulting in political upheavals. In fact, the two agencies in question were established after the 2014 Maidan revolution, which ousted then-President Viktor Yanukovych, Ukraine's pro-Moscow leader who was accused of corruption on a massive scale, stealing hundreds of millions of dollars from the government. His corruption was so vast that ordinary Ukrainians were aghast when they toured the grounds of his lavish mansion and discovered his collection of expensive cars and even a private zoo. Since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, however, rallies have largely focused on the return of prisoners of war or missing people. But Tuesday's demonstrations trained public outrage on the government, with some calling the law a greater blow to morale than even routine Russian drone and missile attacks. A mood of anger and frustration among the war-weary Ukrainians prevailed in the crowd. Some protesters accused Ukraine's leadership of prioritizing loyalty and personal connections over the fight against corruption. 'Ukraine has far fewer resources than Russia in this war,' said Ihor Lachenkov, a blogger and activist who urged people to join the protest through his social media platforms, which reach more than 1.5 million followers. 'If we misuse them, or worse, allow them to end up in the pockets of thieves, our chances of victory diminish. All our resources must go toward the fight.' The protests have raised questions about the state of democracy in Ukraine — one of the values it is fighting for in the war with Russia. 'When a spectacle is staged and pushed through in 24 hours for everyone to swallow, that is not justice,' former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba wrote on Instagram. The government defends the move In his address Tuesday night, Zelenskyy insisted that the country's anti-corruption infrastructure 'will continue to function' after it is 'cleansed of any Russian influence.' He alleged that some cases had been allowed to languish and the targets of some investigations never brought to justice. 'For years, officials who have fled Ukraine have been casually living abroad for some reason — in very nice countries and without legal consequences — and this is not normal,' he said in a Telegram post. On Wednesday, he gathered the heads of law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies and the prosecutor general. He announced that a detailed action plan will be developed within two weeks to ensure the system is more effective and fair. 'We see what people expect from state institutions to ensure justice and the effectiveness of each institution,' he said on Telegram. Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko dismissed concerns about the agencies' independence. 'I can promise that I will not misuse these rights,' he said. 'I could sign this promise in blood, if necessary.' Fighting corruption is crucial to Ukraine's future The Ukrainian branch of Transparency International criticized the law, saying it undermines one of the most significant reforms since the 2014 uprising and that it damages trust with international partners. Fighting entrenched corruption is crucial to Ukraine's bid to join the European Union and maintain access to billions of dollars in Western aid. In a post on X, EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos called the new law 'a serious step back.' The action against the agencies comes only a month after the NABU launched a criminal investigation into then–Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Chernyshov — one of the highest-profile corruption cases since Zelenskyy took office. Chernyshov has denied the allegations but was removed from his post during last week's government reshuffle. It also follows the arrest of two NABU officials on suspicion of having ties to Russia by Ukraine's Security Service.
San Francisco Chronicle
6 days ago
- Politics
- San Francisco Chronicle
Ukrainians are protesting a law targeting anti-corruption agencies. Here's why
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainians are taking to the streets to protest a new law they worry will undermine the work of two key anti-corruption agencies, by eroding the independence of bodies meant to provide a check on power. Discontent over the law led to the first major demonstration against the government in more than three years of war, marking the most serious fracture yet in the national unity that has helped Ukraine resist Russia's invasion. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy defended the law as necessary to remove 'Russian influence' from the fight against corruption, though he didn't provide examples of such interference. The law adds new oversight for anti-corruption agencies Ukraine's parliament passed a bill on Tuesday that brings the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) under the authority of the prosecutor general, who is a presidential appointee. Zelenskyy signed it into law, even as thousands took to the streets asking him to scrap it. Critics say it could give Zelenskyy's circle greater influence over investigations. It comes after Zelenskyy carried out a reshuffle of his wartime Cabinet, a move also widely viewed as consolidating power with his inner circle. Before the bill was signed, the agencies warned that, if it took effect, 'the head of SAPO will become a nominal figure, while NABU will lose its independence and turn into a subdivision of the prosecutor general's office.' The law has unleashed criticism of the government Ukraine has a robust tradition of pro-democracy protests, with street demonstrations twice resulting in political upheavals. In fact, the two agencies in question were established after the 2014 Maidan revolution, which ousted then-President Viktor Yanukovych, Ukraine's pro-Moscow leader who was accused of corruption on a massive scale, stealing hundreds of millions of dollars from the government. His corruption was so vast that ordinary Ukrainians were aghast when they toured the grounds of his lavish mansion and discovered his collection of expensive cars and even a private zoo. Since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, however, rallies have largely focused on the return of prisoners of war or missing people. But Tuesday's demonstrations trained public outrage on the government, with some calling the law a greater blow to morale than even routine Russian drone and missile attacks. A mood of anger and frustration among the war-weary Ukrainians prevailed in the crowd. Some protesters accused Ukraine's leadership of prioritizing loyalty and personal connections over the fight against corruption. 'Ukraine has far fewer resources than Russia in this war,' said Ihor Lachenkov, a blogger and activist who urged people to join the protest through his social media platforms, which reach more than 1.5 million followers. 'If we misuse them, or worse, allow them to end up in the pockets of thieves, our chances of victory diminish. All our resources must go toward the fight.' The protests have raised questions about the state of democracy in Ukraine — one of the values it is fighting for in the war with Russia. 'When a spectacle is staged and pushed through in 24 hours for everyone to swallow, that is not justice,' former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba wrote on Instagram. The government defends the move In his address Tuesday night, Zelenskyy insisted that the country's anti-corruption infrastructure 'will continue to function' after it is 'cleansed of any Russian influence.' He alleged that some cases had been allowed to languish and the targets of some investigations never brought to justice. 'For years, officials who have fled Ukraine have been casually living abroad for some reason — in very nice countries and without legal consequences — and this is not normal,' he said in a Telegram post. On Wednesday, he gathered the heads of law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies and the prosecutor general. He announced that a detailed action plan will be developed within two weeks to ensure the system is more effective and fair. 'We see what people expect from state institutions to ensure justice and the effectiveness of each institution,' he said on Telegram. Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko dismissed concerns about the agencies' independence. 'I can promise that I will not misuse these rights,' he said. 'I could sign this promise in blood, if necessary.' Fighting corruption is crucial to Ukraine's future The Ukrainian branch of Transparency International criticized the law, saying it undermines one of the most significant reforms since the 2014 uprising and that it damages trust with international partners. Fighting entrenched corruption is crucial to Ukraine's bid to join the European Union and maintain access to billions of dollars in Western aid. In a post on X, EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos called the new law 'a serious step back.' The action against the agencies comes only a month after the NABU launched a criminal investigation into then–Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Chernyshov — one of the highest-profile corruption cases since Zelenskyy took office. Chernyshov has denied the allegations but was removed from his post during last week's government reshuffle.
Al-Ahram Weekly
6 days ago
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Zelenskyy faces backlash as Ukrainians protest new anti-corruption law - War in Ukraine
Activists on Wednesday called for more protests of a new law that they say weakens Ukraine's anti-corruption watchdogs, following the first major anti-government demonstration in over three years of war. The legislation has also drawn rebukes from European Union officials and international rights groups, as well as putting increased pressure on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and endangering his public support at a critical phase of the war. Later Wednesday, delegations from Russia and Ukraine were set to meet in Istanbul for a third round of direct talks in two months, although hopes for a breakthrough were low. In the morning, Zelenskyy convened the heads of Ukraine's key anti-corruption and security agencies in response to the outcry against his decision to approve the law that was passed by parliament. 'We all hear what society says,' Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram after the meeting. But he insisted the new legal framework was needed to crack down harder on corruption. 'Criminal cases should not drag on for years without verdicts, and those working against Ukraine must not feel comfortable or immune from punishment,' he said. Zelenskyy said all government agencies agreed to work constructively and respond to public expectations for fairness and effectiveness. A detailed joint action plan is expected within two weeks, aimed at addressing institutional weaknesses, removing legal hurdles, and ensuring justice across the board, he said. Thousands of people gathered in the capital and other cities on Tuesday to urge Zelenskyy to veto the controversial bill. After he approved it, activists went on social media to call for another demonstration Wednesday night in central Kyiv. Zelenskyy has been the international face of Ukraine's determination to defeat Russia's all-out invasion, and his domestic troubles are an unwelcome diversion from the war effort. The legislation tightens government oversight of two key anti-corruption agencies. Critics say the step could significantly weaken the independence of those agencies and give Zelenskyy's circle greater influence over investigations. EU officials warn of possible setback to joining bloc Fighting entrenched corruption is crucial for Ukraine's aspirations to join the EU and maintain access to billions of dollars in Western aid in the war. 'Limiting the independence of Ukraine's anti-corruption agency hampers Ukraine's way towards the EU,' German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned in a post on X. EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, also on X, noted: 'In war, trust between the fighting nation and its leadership is more important than modern weapons — difficult to build and to keep, but easy to lose with one significant mistake by the leadership.' The Ukrainian branch of Transparency International criticised the parliament's decision, saying it undermines one of the most significant reforms since 2014, when Ukrainians ousted a pro-Moscow president in what they called the Revolution of Dignity, and damages trust with international partners. It accused authorities of 'dismantling' the country's anti-corruption architecture. Zelenskyy said the new law clears out 'Russian influence' from fighting corruption and ensures punishment for those found guilty of it. He cited years of delays in criminal proceedings involving huge amounts of money. 'The cases that have been lying dormant must be investigated,' he said in a Telegram post early Wednesday. 'For years, officials who have fled Ukraine have been casually living abroad for some reason –- in very nice countries and without legal consequences–– and this is not normal,' he said. He didn't give examples of what he said was Russian interference. The legal changes in Ukraine would grant the prosecutor general new authority over investigations and cases handled by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO). Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko, appointed by Zelenskyy just over a month ago, said the anti-corruption watchdogs and other law enforcement agencies would keep working as before. 'The prosecutor general has only been granted broader powers and an increased scope of authority,' Kravchenko told a news conference as officials moved to ease public concern. The anger and frustration among war-weary Ukrainians prevailed in the crowd Tuesday. Some protesters accused Ukraine's leadership of prioritising loyalty and personal connections over fighting corruption. 'Those who swore to protect the laws and the constitution have instead chosen to shield their inner circle, even at the expense of Ukrainian democracy,' said veteran Oleh Symoroz, who lost both legs after he was wounded in 2022. Russian officials relished Zelenskyy's difficulties, although Moscow faces a series of corruption cases against government and military officials. A third round of direct talks on the war The third direct meeting between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Turkey in as many months wasn't expected to make progress on ending the war. It would likely focus on further exchanges of prisoners of war. Zelenskyy said the Ukrainian delegation in Istanbul 'will again insist on the need for an immediate and complete ceasefire, including ... strikes on civilian infrastructure.' Russian drone strikes knocked out power to more than 220,000 customers in Ukraine's northeastern Sumy region, Zelenskyy said on Telegram, adding that repairs restored most of the supply in hours. Ukrainian and Western officials have accused the Kremlin of stalling in the talks for its bigger army to capture more Ukrainian land. Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Russia with severe economic sanctions and said more American weapons, paid for by European countries, would go to Ukraine. Trump hardened his stance toward Moscow after months of frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin about unsuccessful talks for a ceasefire. Trump gave Russia until early September to agree to a ceasefire. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
