Ukraine's Anti-Graft Tensions Spark Outcry and Protests

Ukraine has introduced restrictive amendments on key anti-corruption agencies, sparking sharp criticism and the largest protests since Russia's 2022 invasion. These measures shift control towards the executive, raising concerns about Ukraine's EU accession prospects and Western aid, with significant implications for the country's political landscape.

Ukraine's government has tightened control over two pivotal anti-corruption agencies, a move that has provoked criticism from domestic and international bodies. This shift toward executive oversight is viewed as a significant setback in Ukraine's efforts to align with European Union standards and maintain essential Western financial support.

The controversial decision came after Ukraine's domestic security agency detained two officials from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) under suspicions of collusion with Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's approval of the amendments has led to widespread public demonstration across major Ukrainian cities, indicating a considerable divide between government actions and public sentiment.

The European Union and anti-corruption advocates express deep concern over these developments, viewing them as jeopardizing Ukraine's pro-Western trajectory established post-2014 Maidan revolution. The international community remains wary as these legal amendments may signal a rollback in Ukraine's commitment to upholding rule of law and transparency.

(With inputs from agencies.)