Kyiv, Ukraine – July 24, 2025 — In the wake of the largest public protests since the start of the Russian invasion in 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced his intention to introduce a new anti-corruption bill, following widespread criticism of a controversial law signed earlier this week.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, July 23, or early Thursday, July 24, comes as a response to mass protests, internal backlash, and pressure from Ukraine’s Western allies, who see anti-corruption reforms as fundamental to Kyiv’s EU accession path and continued foreign aid.
Zelensky Responds to Public and International Outcry
In his statement from Kyiv, President Zelensky acknowledged the public’s discontent, saying, “What society is saying has not fallen on deaf ears.” He promised to submit a new draft law that would address the concerns raised about the erosion of independence of Ukraine’s key anti-corruption agencies, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).
Zelensky emphasized that the new legislation will be aimed at “strengthening the rule of law”, restoring public trust, and ensuring that Ukraine continues on its path toward European integration, even amid the ongoing war with Russia.
Reactions From Anti-Corruption Agencies and Civil Society
The leadership of NABU and SAPO welcomed the President’s shift in position, calling it a positive step toward restoring operational independence and repairing public confidence in the system.
🔗 Mass Protests Erupt in Ukraine Over Zelensky’s Anti-Corruption Law Amid EU and Civil Society Concerns
However, Ukrainian civil society groups and protesters expressed cautious optimism. While some viewed the announcement as a partial victory resulting from public pressure, many voiced skepticism, demanding concrete guarantees in the text of the new bill. Activists warned against cosmetic changes, insisting that genuine reform requires full transparency and consultation with stakeholders.
“This could just be a way to calm the streets without fixing the problem,” said one protester in Kyiv.
“We want institutional independence, not political control with a new label.”
Online, advocacy groups called for continued vigilance, urging citizens to closely monitor the drafting and presentation of the new law in parliament.
Western Allies Await Concrete Action
International partners, including the European Union and the United States, are believed to have welcomed Zelensky’s announcement. However, their support remains conditional on clear action and legal safeguards that ensure anti-corruption bodies remain free from political interference.
A senior EU official, speaking anonymously, stated, “Ukraine’s fight against corruption is central to its candidacy for EU membership. We need to see substance, not symbols.”
A Shift in Strategy: From the Streets to Scrutiny
Unlike the mass mobilizations of July 22–23, the immediate public response to Zelensky’s announcement has shifted to watchful anticipation. Protesters have paused large-scale demonstrations, choosing instead to focus attention on the drafting process and scrutinizing the upcoming legislative text.
The President’s decision follows a series of private consultations with the heads of NABU and SAPO, as well as members of his party. These behind-the-scenes negotiations signal an attempt to de-escalate tensions while preserving the government’s credibility both at home and abroad.
As Ukraine continues to battle external aggression and internal challenges, public demand for democratic integrity remains strong. Whether Zelensky’s new proposal will satisfy those demands remains to be seen.
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