‘First step to autocracy’: Protests erupt against Volodymyr Zelensky’s attack on anti-corruption bodies

Volodymyr Zelensky has been warned his assault on Ukraine’s anti-corruption bodies is a “first step to autocracy and tyranny,” as protests erupted in Kyiv for the second night in a row.

The Ukrainian President is facing the biggest political crisis of his career, after thousands of protestors, mainly young Ukrainians, demonstrated near his offices in the capital for the second night in a row, despite the threat it could serve as a target for a Russian missile and drone attack.

They are the first demonstrations to take place during the war and also took place in Lviv, Dnipro and Odessa.

On Tuesday, President Zelensky suddenly signed into law a bill that was passed after almost no debate that neutered the independence of two anti-corruption bodies. The measure was seen as a power grab by his powerful chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, who is disliked in Washington and European capitals.

Demonstrators sang Ukrainian hymns, chanted Glory to Ukraine, and “Our people are the law,” as they demanded he veto the law.

Undermining and destroying anti-corruption infrastructure is the first step to autocracy and tyranny,

They held up signs with slogans written on small pieces of cardboard that mocked the comedian-turned-wartime-leader as a clown, and often included profanities.

Julia Klymenko, a member of Ukraine’s parliament from a rival political party to President Zelensky’s Servant to the People party, told The Nightly during an interview in Kyiv that the President’s move was a propaganda gift for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“Undermining and destroying anti-corruption infrastructure is the first step to autocracy and tyranny,” Ms Klymenko said.

“As a country, we should be transparent and have all anti-corruption infrastructure in place to prove to our international partners who give us weapons and money that we are ready to be transparent and have accountability.

“Also, Putin’s main message is that Ukraine is a failed state; they have corruption, don’t give them weapons and money because corruption is very high, according to Putin.

“So destroying the anti-corruption infrastructure will prove Putin’s narrative, and we will help Putin to prevail in propaganda and in the minds of the international community, which is very dangerous.”

Asked if it would be supported by the public, Ms Klymenko was emphatic.

“No,” she said.

On Wednesday, protestors again filled a public square outside the Ivan Franko Theatre, the closest public space to President Zelensky’s office.

Ira, 20, said it was the first protest she had ever attended and that she was continuing the legacy of her parents and grandparents who had participated in the Maidan protests that led to the downfall of the pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych.

Vlada, 20, from Kyiv, said she was protesting because she didn’t want to live in Russia.

“I want to live in a European Ukraine, not in a Ukraine like Russia. I want freedom,” she said.

She said President Zelensky’s move was at odds with his public persona.

“It was very unbelievable for me because he has a reputation of being a truth President.

“He visits other countries in Europe and America and London and says another thing.

“I cannot stand what he’s doing now.”

Asked if she was scared about demonstrating during a war, when Russian President Vladimir Putin has been pounding the Ukrainian capital with missiles and drone attacks, she said: “Yes, very scared, but I can’t do nothing.”

Another 19-year-old girl protesting told The Nightly that she was also scared but that “this was higher” than the threat of a Russian missile falling upon her.

Andrii Korotkyi, 19, who also joined the protest, said there was still time for President Zelensky to correct his mistake.

“It’s terrible, but I hope he has something to say about that,” he said.

“I just hope it will be okay in the end because I really don’t want to discriminate against our president because it’s bad for our international image.”

Key anti-Ukrainian MAGA Republicans quickly seized on the developments, with Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene saying it showed President Zelensky was a dictator.

“Throw him out of office! And America must STOP funding and sending weapons!!!” she wrote on X.

In his nightly video address, President Zelensky addressed the backlash.

“Of course, everyone has heard what people are saying these days – on social media, to each other, on the streets,” he said.

“It’s not falling on deaf ears. We analysed all concerns, all aspects of what needs to be changed and what needs to be stepped up.

“I will propose a bill to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine that will be the response.

“It will ensure the strength of the rule of law system, and there will be no Russian influence or interference in the activities of law enforcement.

“And very importantly – all the norms for the independence of anti-corruption institutions will be in place.”

His shift came after speaking with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who is in Japan and on her way to China.

Earlier, her spokesperson said that the President had “strong concerns about the consequences of the amendments, and she requested the Ukrainian government for explanations.”

Stamping out corruption is central to Ukraine’s bid to become part of the European Union, to help protect it from Russian attacks.

Key supporters of Ukraine warned it could stall their pitch to join the single market.

Jan Lipavský, foreign minister of Czechia, which has rallied Europe to Ukraine’s cause ever since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, said he had reminded his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha that Europe’s support for its struggle against Russia was not a blank cheque.

“Fighting corruption is a vital part of the EU accession path,” Mr Lipavský said.

“Ukraine belongs in Europe, and our support goes to its people.

“But our support has never been and will never be a blank cheque for any actions of the government.

Veteran Oleh Symoroz, who first called for the protests in posts published on Facebook, said Zelensky’s word alone was not to be trusted.

“Until we see the text, it’s hard to evaluate it somehow, as in general, that it will happen,” he said.

“There is no faith in Zelensky! We must keep the press on.”