Zelenskyy Reverses Controversial Anti-Corruption Law Amid Public Backlash

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a significant policy reversal on Thursday regarding the recent changes to the country’s anti-corruption agencies. This decision comes just two days after he enacted a bill that placed these agencies under the authority of his loyalist prosecutor general, a move that sparked widespread protests and international condemnation.

On July 24, 2025, Zelenskyy signed into law a measure that critics claimed effectively undermined the independence of Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies. The backlash was immediate, with citizens taking to the streets of Kyiv to express their discontent—the first large-scale protests since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. European officials also publicly condemned the actions, warning that such moves could jeopardize Ukraine's financial aid and aspirations for European Union (EU) membership.

In response to the outcry, Zelenskyy reintroduced a bill aimed at reversing the controversial changes, asserting that he had “heard the public opinion.” He emphasized that the new legislation would strip the prosecutor general of the additional powers over the anti-corruption agencies and include minor safeguards for law enforcement, such as enhanced polygraph testing for agency personnel.

According to Veronika Melkozerova, a political analyst, the rapid change in stance reflects the growing pressure not only from the public but also from international allies concerned about the integrity of Ukraine's governance structures. “The protests signify a critical moment for Ukrainian democracy, where the public is actively engaging in the political process,” she stated.

However, the proposed changes still face uncertainty in the Ukrainian parliament, where some activists fear they could be stalled by members of Zelenskyy’s own party. Opposition MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak criticized the government’s approach, labeling the new checks as “great imitators” of genuine reforms that fail to address the core issues of independence and accountability in the anti-corruption framework.

The history of Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts has been tumultuous, often fraught with political interference and insufficient support from the government. According to Dr. Andriy Shkil, a political scientist at the National University of Kyiv, the independence of these agencies is crucial for Ukraine’s democratic evolution and its relationship with Western partners. “The effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts is closely tied to public trust and international support,” he noted in a 2023 study published in the Journal of Eastern European Politics.

As protests continue across the country, the implications of Zelenskyy’s U-turn could resonate beyond Ukraine’s borders. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for Ukraine to maintain its commitments to anti-corruption measures to secure future EU membership. “We stand firmly with Ukraine, but reforms must be genuine and enduring,” she stated during a recent press conference.

In conclusion, while Zelenskyy’s recent legislative reversal may assuage immediate public discontent, the long-term viability of Ukraine’s anti-corruption initiatives remains precarious. Experts suggest that the political landscape will need to evolve significantly to restore both public and international confidence in Ukraine’s governance structures. The coming days will be critical as the parliament deliberates on the newly proposed bill, which could shape the future trajectory of Ukraine’s political and economic landscape amid ongoing conflict and reform demands.