Sharp Decline in Confidence
Public trust in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has plunged to 58%. a six-month low following wartime protests against his attempt to strip independence from anti-corruption agencies, according to a Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) survey. The 16-point drop since May marks the steepest decline since December 2024, with corruption (21%) and war management (20%) cited as top reasons for eroding confidence.
Controversial Power Grab Sparks Protests
Zelensky triggered public fury on July 22 by fast-tracking legislation to subordinate the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) to his handpicked prosecutor general. Critics denounced the move as a bid to consolidate control, noting it allowed politically motivated interference in corruption cases. Within hours, thousands rallied in Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa, the largest demonstrations since Russia’s 2022 invasion brandishing signs like "We chose Europe, not autocracy" and "My father did not die for this".
Swift Reversal Under Pressure
Facing backlash from citizens and Western allies, Zelensky reversed course within days. On July 31, parliament voted 331-0 to restore the agencies’ independence, with protesters cheering outside the assembly. Analysts noted the U-turn reflected both domestic pressure and stern warnings from the EU, which called the initial law a "serious step back" for Ukraine’s membership prospects. European officials privately threatened aid cuts, stressing anti-corruption reforms were non-negotiable.
Broader Democratic Erosion Concerns
The episode exposed deeper governance issues. Protesters and opposition figures accused Zelensky of exploiting martial law to centralize power, noting recent raids on anti-corruption officials and investigations targeting activists. KIIS director Anton Grushetskyi warned the "persistent downward trend" in trust demanded urgent course correction. Meanwhile, Russian negotiators seized on the turmoil during peace talks, highlighting Ukraine’s political fractures.
International Repercussions
The crisis has strained Ukraine’s relations with critical allies. EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos emphasized that anti-corruption bodies remain "essential" for accession talks, while U.S. officials reportedly expressed dismay. With Western aid vital for Ukraine’s survival, the scandal risks weakening global resolve at a precarious military moment.