Backlash Grows Against Zelenskyy Over Controversial Anti-Corruption Measures

Activists called for more protests of a new law that they say weakens Ukraine’s anti-corruption enforcements, following the first major anti-government demonstration in over three years of war.

The legislation also has drawn rebukes from European Union officials and international rights groups, as well as putting increased pressure on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and endangering his public support at a critical phase of the war.

Zelenskyy convened the heads of Ukraine’s key anti-corruption and security agencies in response to the outcry against his decision to approve the law that was passed by parliament.

But he insisted the new legal framework was needed to crack down harder on corruption. Thousands of people gathered in the capital and other cities Tuesday to urge Zelenskyy to veto the controversial bill. After he approved it, activists went on social media to call for another demonstration Wednesday night in central Kyiv.