Ukrainians’ patience with President Zelenskyy stretches thin

It came after the Ukrainian parliament approved a bill that brought the national anti-corruption bureau (known as Nabu) and the specialised anti-corruption prosecutor's office (Sapo) under the direct control of the country's prosecutor-general, who answers to the president. Protesters noted that the anti-corruption bodies were said to be investigating several key officials in Zelenskyy's government.

Despite the criticism, Zelenskyy approved the legislation, which he said was necessary to purge the Western-backed organisations of "Russian influence," arguing that the new arrangements would mean anyone found guilty of corruption would face "the inevitability of punishment".

Zelenskyy's comments prompted fierce criticism from his political opponents, who insist the changes mean it is less likely that those accused of corruption—an issue that has plagued Ukraine for decades—would face justice. Notably, the protesters chanted "Ukraine is not Russia!" close to the presidential office. Others held signs reading: "Corruption = Death."

Wider impact

Zelenskyy's targeting of the country's anti-corruption bodies has lost him vital support, including that of Olga Rudenko, influential editor of the Kyiv Independent. In a stinging editorial she said: "Zelensky will feel the wrath of those exact stubborn, freedom-loving Ukrainians he has been an international symbol for."

The scale of the protests seem to have surprised Zelenskyy, who indicated that he may back down, despite still thinking it is the right change. "We all share a common enemy: the Russian occupiers," he said in response to the protests. "And defending the Ukrainian state requires a strong enough law enforcement system, one that ensures a real sense of justice."

Beyond Kyiv, his targeting of anti-corruption bodies could have an adverse impact on Ukraine's plans to join the European Union, with Brussels due to begin accession negotiations with Kyiv. Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, said she was waiting for "explanations", while Paris and Berlin said Zelenskyy's actions could undermine Kyiv's hopes of joining the EU.

"The respect for the rule of law and the fight against corruption are core elements of the European Union," an EU spokesman said. "As a candidate country, Ukraine is expected to uphold these standards fully. There cannot be a compromise."

Effect on the war

Even worse for Zelenskyy, the row could undermine Ukraine's war effort, prompting Western leaders to reassess their willingness to keep backing a man accused of limiting his country's democratic freedoms. In Washington, this was not lost on Ukraine funding opponents, such as Republican and Trump-loyalist Marjorie Taylor Greene, who posted: "Throw him out of office!"

All this will be news to Russian ears, further adding to Putin's belief that he will ultimately emerge victorious in the conflict. After more than three years of bitter fighting, a domestic political crisis in Kyiv may now ultimately end Zelenskyy's hopes of leading his country to victory. If he ever gets the benefit of hindsight, he may reflect that this was caused by a mess all of his own making.