Uptick in Democratic Support in Ukraine
Midway through 2025, Ukraine's fight against corruption faced a significant setback when President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law that undermined the independence of key anti-corruption bodies. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) were at risk of political interference, raising concerns about weakening anti-corruption enforcement.
This move sparked nationwide protests in July 2025, marking the first large-scale public demonstrations since the Russian invasion began. Thousands of young people took to the streets of Kiev and other major cities, demonstrating strong public and civil society support for maintaining the independence of anti-corruption institutions.
The protests put pressure on Zelensky to repeal the controversial law and submit a new draft law restoring full independence and powers to NABU and SAPO. Parliament adopted the new law, and Zelensky signed it at the end of July 2025, a victory for democracy and rule of law that was celebrated by demonstrators.
The European Union played a significant role in this dynamic. The EU announced intentions to withhold over $1.7 billion in foreign aid due to concerns about the erosion of anti-corruption reforms. This financial leverage, combined with domestic protests, contributed to Zelensky’s reversal and reinstatement of the anti-corruption bodies’ autonomy.
Despite the challenging military situation, Ukraine's democratic institutions and public insistence on reform remain robust. Public perception reflects persistent challenges: around 85% of Ukrainians still view corruption as widespread, and confidence in some national institutions remains below 50%. However, the episode underscores the importance of independent watchdogs and the power of public protest in upholding democratic values.
Zelensky's decision-making in this area shows responsiveness to both domestic democratic impulses and European Union demands for reform, even during the strains of ongoing conflict. The battle for Ukraine's democracy is not just a fight against Russian dominance, but also a commitment to adhesion to the EU and the achievement of a democratic future within its ranks.
- The controversial law signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky, risking political interference in war-and-conflicts-related policy-and-legislation, led to intensified protests and public outcry, highlighting the significance of politics intertwined with general-news, particularly regarding anti-corruption issues.
- The European Union's ultimatum to withhold foreign aid, intended to pressure Zelensky in maintaining the independence of anti-corruption bodies, serves as a reminder of the powerful influence of policy-and-legislation and general-news on war-and-conflicts, and highlights the role of international relations in shaping domestic politics.
