Ukrainians have taken to the streets in Kyiv to protest a new law that critics say undermines the country’s anti-corruption efforts. This marks the first major public demonstration against the government since Russia’s invasion in 2022.

The controversial law, signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyj, impacts the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). These institutions are responsible for investigating and prosecuting corruption cases.

The new legislation transfers the power to conduct raids and indict suspects from NABU and SAPO to the court system. Critics argue that this change effectively strips the anti-corruption bodies of their independence, making them vulnerable to political influence.

SAPO chief Oleksandr Klymenko has stated that the law effectively ends the work of the two independent institutions. EU Commissioner Marta Kos also expressed serious concerns, calling the law a “worrying” setback.

Thousands of protesters gathered in Kyiv, chanting “Shame on you,” according to reports. The Financial Times’ Ukraine correspondent, Christopher Miller, reported on the demonstration via X.

The Wall Street Journal’s chief foreign correspondent, Yaroslav Trofimov, suggests the law could trigger Ukraine’s first political crisis since the war began. He noted the historical significance of internal divisions within Ukraine.

President Zelenskyj defended the signing of the law, stating that the anti-corruption infrastructure will continue to function but needs to be cleansed of Russian influence. He made this statement in a video message shared on Telegram.

The Ukrainian parliament passed the bill with 261 votes in favor, 13 against, and 13 abstentions.