Zelancesi Curtles of Ukraine's anti -corruption agencies intensifies backlash after independence

Ukraine President Volodimier Zelansky is facing increasing public and international criticism after signing a controversial law that strips two major anti -corruption agencies of his independence. The law transferred an officer of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor (SAP) to an officer appointed by the President directly. Public resentment erupted immediately after the bill's signature, in which many Ukrainian cities on Tuesday led to spontaneous protests. Despite the ongoing threat to the Russian air raid, large demonstrations were planned for Wednesday evening. Western colleagues of Kyiv have expressed serious concern over the law. A spokesperson of the European Commission Chairman Ursula von Der Leyen confirmed that he had requested a formal explanation from the Ukrainian government. Zelancesi defended the move, claimed that Nabu and SAP were investigating and required to improve the alleged Russian effect. The bill was passed with strong parliamentary support - 263 out of 324 MPs voted in favor. However, critics argue that the new law reduces the freedom and effectiveness of two institutions. The protesters gathered by thousands of people outside the presidential post in Kiev on Tuesday night, marking the biggest public performances since the start of a full -scale Russian invasion in 2022.Cities like Odessa, DNIPRO, LVIV, and Sumy have yet to have vocal protests. The protesters expressed signs such as "corruption life -future death", fearing that Ukraine's democratic aspirations are being put in danger. The anti -corruption efforts along the route of Ukraine for membership of the European Union are deeply connected. The formation of NABU and SAP was a significant position set by the European Union and International Monetary Fund in exchange for visa liberalization and near economic relations. These agencies in Ukraine were being given the status of European Union candidate in 2022 - a step widely celebrated by the Ukrainian public. Critics now fear that the latest action of Zelansky may damage the relationship with Ukraine's its Western partners. European Commission officials stressed that maintaining the rule of law and fighting corruption is the non-pervantic principles of the European Union membership. A spokesman for von deer leyen said, "No compromise can be made." Transparency International currently rank Ukraine 105 out of 180 in its corruption perception index - a low position but one which reflects significant improvement since 2014, the year NABU and SAP were established. These agencies have led the high-profile investigation, in which the arrest of the Supreme Court of Ukraine in the 2023 case was arrested on a bribe of $ 3 million. Earlier this month, NABU also discovered the residence of former Defense Minister Olexi Revnikov, which shows its continuous efforts to deal with corruption at the highest level. Now that Nabu and SAP come under the supervision of the presidential president, there is some fear that close allies of the government may avoid accountability. ,The government has destroyed everything worked for years, "a protector in Kiev told Radio Liberty. On Wednesday, the demonstrations continued despite martial law restrictions on public functions, with expectations of comprehensive participation across the country. Ukrainian media outlets also expressed concern. Ukrarenska Pravada described the bill as "a significant blow for European integration of Ukraine", while Dzerkalo Tyzhnia accused Zelancesi of moving towards powerful rule. Veteran war hero Masi Nayam joined Kieve, wrote on Facebook that it was his "duty" to stand for the ideals he fought during the war. "I fought for the nation, for people, and for a democratic system," he said. European leaders resonated the alarm. German Foreign Minister Johan Wadeful said the law endangers the possibilities of the European Union of Ukraine, and French European Affairs Minister Benjamin Hadad urged Kiev to reversed his decision. Nevertheless, President Zelancesi stood by law after a meeting with NABU and SAP officials on Wednesday. Accepting public unrest, he promised a new joint anti -corruption plan within two weeks and called for national unity against the ongoing Russian invasion.

In a joint statement, Nabu and SAP pushed back, warning that they had lost the necessary legal protection for their mission. He thanked the citizens for their support and emphasized their continuous dedication to fight corruption. Meanwhile, peace talks between Ukraine and Russia resumed in Istanbul on Wednesday. However, public focus was fixed on domestic disturbance rather than diplomatic development. "This is the government unrighteousness," Lisa, a protector in Laviv, said Lisa. "We do not want to fight both Russia and our government."