Wed Jul 23 03:05:24 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewrite as a news article, focusing on an Indian perspective:

**Summary:**

Ukraine is facing renewed internal strife as President Zelenskyy signed a controversial bill into law that increases government oversight of anti-corruption agencies NABU and SAPO. Critics say this weakens their independence and could impede Ukraine’s EU aspirations and access to Western aid. Thousands protested in Kyiv and other cities, urging the President to veto the bill. The move is seen as a setback in the fight against corruption, considered crucial for Ukraine’s future, especially with the ongoing war with Russia. The EU has expressed concern, and even domestic groups and activists have condemned the legislation.

**News Article:**

**Kyiv Sees Largest Protests in Years as Anti-Corruption Law Sparks Outrage**

**Kyiv, Ukraine -** (The Hindu) – Thousands of Ukrainians took to the streets of Kyiv and other cities Tuesday (July 22, 2025) in a surge of public anger against President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s government. The protests, the largest seen since the start of the war with Russia three years ago, were triggered by a controversial bill passed by parliament and signed into law by Zelenskyy, that critics say will severely undermine Ukraine’s anti-corruption infrastructure.

The legislation grants the prosecutor general greater authority over investigations conducted by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). Opponents fear this move will compromise the agencies’ independence and allow Zelenskyy’s inner circle to influence investigations.

The timing of the bill has raised eyebrows, as Ukraine desperately seeks closer ties with the European Union and relies heavily on Western financial aid. Fighting corruption is a key requirement for EU membership, and international partners have expressed strong concerns. The EU’s Enlargement Commissioner, Marta Kos, called the law “a serious step back,” emphasizing the importance of independent anti-corruption bodies.

“This is a critical moment for Ukraine,” said Ihor Lachenkov, a prominent Ukrainian blogger and activist. “With Russia’s aggression continuing, we cannot afford to have resources siphoned off through corruption. Every penny is needed for the war effort.”

The protests highlight the fragility of Ukraine’s political landscape amid the ongoing conflict. While public unity against Russia has been strong, the new law has exposed deep-seated anxieties about governance and transparency. Many fear a return to the endemic corruption that plagued Ukraine before the 2014 Revolution of Dignity.

The Ukrainian branch of Transparency International has condemned the legislation, warning that it undermines years of progress in anti-corruption reforms and could damage trust with international partners.
Oleh Symoroz, a war veteran who lost both legs in the war, said “Those who swore to protect the laws and the Constitution have instead chosen to shield their inner circle, even at the expense of Ukrainian democracy”.

The situation is being closely watched by observers worldwide. The outcome of this internal struggle could have significant implications for Ukraine’s future, its relationship with the West, and its ability to resist Russian aggression.

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