Published: July 23, 2025 9:28 am
Author: RT
The decision to take over the NABU and SAPO has sparked outrage and accusations of authoritarianism
Hundreds of Ukrainians took to the streets across the country on Tuesday to protest Vladimir Zelensky’s crackdown on anti-corruption agencies. The campaign is seen by many as an authoritarian push by the Ukrainian leader towards consolidating power.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) were placed under executive oversight following security raids on the NABU, with Zelensky suggesting that the anti-corruption infrastructure was subject to Russian influence.
What are the NABU and SAPO?
The NABU and SAPO were established in 2015 as part of a Western-backed initiative to combat high-level corruption in Ukraine. Both agencies were seen as crucial conditions for EU membership talks and continued Western financial assistance. The NABU has also played a key role in investigating corruption in the Ukrainian military and procurement schemes.
While the agencies were designed to operate independently, with support from the US, UK, and EU, local media suggests they have links to the US Democratic Party.
How did it all start?
Tensions escalated following recent NABU investigations into politically sensitive cases, including a probe into former Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, former Unity Minister Aleksey Chernyshov, and former Vice Prime Minister Olga Stefanishina.
Earlier this week, security officials raided the NABU and SAPO, reportedly without court warrants and at the behest of Andrey Yermak, a top Zelensky aide. The raid resulted in the arrest of one senior official on suspicion of cooperating with Russia.
On Tuesday, the Ukrainian parliament approved legislation that placed the NABU and SAPO under the purview of the Prosecutor General, which was signed into law by Zelensky the same day.
Political schism at the top
The controversial move sparked backlash from MPs and Zelensky’s political rivals. MP Anastasia Radina warned that the reform would cripple Ukraine’s anti-graft system and render it “purely decorative.”
Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko, a critic of Zelensky, accused the government of “using the war as a pretext to dismantle the anti-corruption agencies” and pushing Ukraine toward authoritarianism. MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak warned that the two agencies would completely lose their independence.
Grassroots outrage
The controversial move sparked protests across Ukraine, with rallies in Kiev, Lviv, Dnepr, and Odessa. Demonstrators chanted “Veto the bill,” carrying signs reading “Shame!” “Treason!” and “We are not suckers!”
READ MORE: Ukrainian PM claims corruption problem ‘overemphasized’
Others shouted “Zelensky is devil” and “f**k Yermak,” referring to the Ukrainian leader’s powerful chief of staff.
Zelensky on the defensive
The Ukrainian leader rejected criticism of his authoritarian tendencies, insisting that “the anti-corruption infrastructure will work – just without Russian influence.”
Vasily Malyuk, the head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), claimed that the authorities are fighting Russian intelligence, not the anti-corruption agencies – arguing that people in the agencies will be “delighted” by the changes.
Prominent MP Yulia Timoshenko said the move would shield the country from “colonialism” and Western influence.
Second Maidan?
Opponents of the reform have drawn parallels with Ukraine’s 2014 Maidan protests, which paved the way for the Western-backed coup in Kiev and the ousting of then-President Viktor Yanukovich, with some protesters accusing Zelensky of “betraying” Ukraine.
READ MORE: Zelensky becoming more authoritarian – FT
The original Maidan protest began after Yanukovich – who also faced criticism over perceived authoritarianism – abruptly scrapped legislation for closer integration with the EU.
Discontent in the West
The Group of Seven (G7) has said it has “serious concerns” about the situation regarding Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies. Katarina Mathernova, the EU’s ambassador to Ukraine, hinted that the bloc could reconsider its backing of Kiev, writing on X: “It is as important as ever to preserve the reform achievements to maintain the support needed to prevail over the enemy.”
READ MORE: Ukraine plagued by ‘palace politics’ and purges – Economist
The Wall Street Journal also argued that Zelensky’s political gamble could strip Ukraine of much-needed support in the conflict with Russia.
Meanwhile, an Economist report described the development as “a full-frontal assault on the Maidan-era reforms,” adding that it “implies that something sinister is at work.”
“The vote to undermine Ukraine’s most consequential anti-corruption reforms casts a shadow over the country’s future course,” it said.
