Ukraine's anti-corruption law

Analysis: Ukraine is under attack from both Russia and from within

Ukraine is under attack from two sides, writes Politico's Jamie Dettmer in an analytical text.

The only threat is, of course, Russia, the country that wants Ukraine to become "a plaything for the Kremlin".

"But perhaps the internal threat is more corrosive and insidious. The threat from Ukraine's own semi-authoritarian rule", writes Dettmer.

He believes that it is clear that Volodymyr Zelenskyy rushed through the law that restricts the independence of the anti-corruption authorities earlier this week because they were about to bring charges against people in the president's inner circle.

In The Times, Marc Bennets is more skeptical of these conclusions. He instead highlights that Ukraine has a long history of corruption, but also that the Ukrainian people thus have a long tradition of fighting corruption.

Many of those who demonstrated against Zelensky's new law this week also demonstrated against his predecessor Viktor Yanukovych, he writes. But Vladimir Putin is laughing, of course.

"Even Zelensky's political opponents admit that criticism of him plays right into the hands of President Putin, who has painted Ukraine as a neo-Nazi state ruled by thieves and drug addicts."

By opening up to just such criticism, Zelensky may have done exactly the opposite of what he wanted: harming both Ukraine and himself.

Expert: Hungary's blockade makes the EU toothless in Ukraine

The fact that Ukraine this week voted through a law that is considered to weaken the work against corruption is a sign that the EU's influence over the country has diminished. Fredrik Wesslau, a researcher at the Center for East European Studies, tells TT.

An important reason is Hungarian opposition to Ukraine's hope to become part of the union.

– Even if Ukraine meets all the requirements set by the EU, they cannot proceed because Hungary is blocking. This means that the EU has less leverage against Ukraine.

He describes Ukraine as caught in a tug-of-war between pro-EU progressive and corrupt politicians. In that tug-of-war, the influence of both the US and the EU has been important for the progressive side.

After criticism: Zelensky presents new bill

Volodymyr Zelensky has approved a new bill that will ensure the independence of the anti-corruption authorities. The president writes this on Telegram.

The text of the law that was voted through on Tuesday is considered to have undermined the independence of Ukraine's two anti-corruption authorities. After widespread protests, Zelensky promised yesterday that the text of the law would be replaced with a new proposal.

“It is important that we preserve unity. It is important that we preserve independence. It is important that we respect the position of all Ukrainians and be grateful to all who stand on Ukraine’s side,” he writes.

Three days after the decision — this has happened

22 July

Ukrainian parliament votes yes to a law that limits the independence of the two anti-corruption agencies by subordinating them to the Prosecutor General.

A hostile atmosphere prevails in parliament during the vote on the law. Members shout “shame!” and warn of increased authoritarian development.

The European Commission expresses concern about Ukraine’s new law and calls for transparency for continued support and EU rapprochement.

Thousands demonstrate in Kyiv and demand that the president stop the law.

Despite the protests, President Zelensky signs the law, which can thus enter into force.

23 July 

Zelensky defends decision, claiming new law is necessary to purge alleged Russian influence from authorities.

Kyiv Independent’s editorial page accuses Zelensky of undermining democracy to strengthen his power, saying “Zelensky is betraying democracy – and all those who fight for it.”

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko criticizes law, saying it destroys anti-corruption work and silences activists.

Zelensky holds meeting with Prosecutor General and heads of anti-corruption agencies. What is said is not known, but shortly afterwards Zelensky promises a new “action plan for legal certainty.”

Later in the evening, Zelensky announces that a new bill will be submitted to ensure the independence of anti-corruption agencies. Exactly what it will look like is unclear.

Thousands demonstrate in Kyiv for second night in a row. Protests are planned in at least 17 cities around the country.

24 July

Several Ukrainian soldiers call the law a fatal mistake and believe that the government is betraying democracy during an ongoing war.

Protests continue in Ukraine, despite Zelensky's promise of a new bill.

Zelensky announces that he has approved the new bill that will guarantee the independence of the authorities.