Thousands protest legislation that weakens anti-corruption agencies in Ukraine
It marked the largest public protests against the government in more than three years of war.
Many protesters carried signs reading "Veto the law", "Protect the anti-corruption system, protect Ukraine's future", or simply "We are against it".
On Tuesday, Ukraine's parliament passed legislation that will tighten oversight of two key anti-corruption agencies, which critics say could significantly weaken their independence and autonomy and give Mr Zelenskyy's circle more control over investigations.
The changes 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).
"In effect, if this bill becomes law, 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 agencies said in a joint statement on Telegram.
The legislation's passage triggered public outrage in Ukraine, with some saying it appeared to be a greater moral blow than the routine Russian drone and missile attacks.
Some protesters accused Ukraine's leadership of prioritising loyalty and personal connections over the fight against 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, sitting in a wheelchair because both his legs were amputated after he was wounded in 2022.
"Instead of setting an example of zero tolerance for corruption, the president is using his power to take control of criminal cases involving his allies," he said.
The legislation has also drawn sharp criticism from the heads of both agencies and a top EU official.
Fighting entrenched corruption is crucial for Ukraine's bid to join the European Union and maintain access to billions of dollars in Western aid.
In a post on X, the EU's Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos expressed concern over the vote in the parliament, called the Rada, calling it "a serious step back".
"Independent bodies like NABU & SAPO are essential for Ukraine's EU path. Rule of Law remains in the very center of EU accession negotiations," Ms Kos added.
The Ukrainian branch of Transparency International criticised parliament's decision, saying it undermines one of the most significant reforms since what Ukraine calls its Revolution of Dignity in 2014 and damages trust with international partners.
The group urged Mr Zelenskyy to veto the law, warning that otherwise he would share responsibility with the Rada for "dismantling Ukraine's anti-corruption infrastructure".
On Monday, Ukraine's domestic security agency detained two NABU officials on suspicion of links to Russia and searched other agency employees on unrelated allegations.
Last week, Mr Zelenskyy reshuffled his wartime cabinet in a move widely seen as centralising power within his inner circle.
AP
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