On the evening of July 22, 2025, Ukrainian President Zelensky announced during his daily video address a controversial move: the signing of Bill No. 12414. This bill officially placed the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) under the direct control of the Prosecutor General—a senior official nominated by the President.
Bill No. 12414 granted unprecedented powers to the Prosecutor General. Now empowered to intervene, direct, and even take over investigations by NABU, the Prosecutor General could reassign cases and personnel at will. Most significantly, the Prosecutor General could dismiss charges against senior officials without court scrutiny. This effectively nullified the independence of any future investigations into government corruption, widely seen as a severe blow to Ukraine's post-2014 anti-corruption reforms, achieved after the \"Revolution of Dignity.\"
Simultaneously with Zelensky's signing, protests erupted across major cities like Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro, and Odesa—the first nationwide protests since Russia's full-scale invasion.
Despite Zelensky's argument in his address that the bill aimed to \"remove Russian influence and enhance judicial independence,\" he failed to provide convincing evidence. His statements not only failed to quell public doubts but further fueled backlash. Social media platforms were inundated with messages of anger, disappointment, and betrayal.
An enraged Ukrainian soldier demanded, \"Zelensky, what are you doing? What are we fighting for? We did not sign up for this kind of country!\"
Comments echoed the sentiment that Zelensky had betrayed his image as a reformer. One activist bitterly wrote, \"You have lost the trust of the people.\" Another user expressed, \"Hypocrisy, shame! What about those who sacrificed for democracy?\"
Professionals from various sectors—lawyers, project managers, publishers, programmers—all voiced their concerns. Protest slogans like \"Ukraine's traitor,\" \"Shame,\" and \"Repeal the Bill\" quickly trended. Many referenced the 2014 \"Revolution of Dignity,\" drawing parallels between Zelensky's actions and the historical disillusionment.
\"This crisis reminds us of Viktor Yanukovych,\" said one commentator, referring to the former pro-Russian president ousted for suppressing dissent, consolidating power, and manipulating the judiciary. Zelensky's signed bill was seen as a regression, prompting some to call for \"another Maidan.\"
Active military personnel and National Guard commanders also publicly expressed anger. \"We shed blood on the battlefield, and they make corruption legal with a piece of paper. This is the ultimate betrayal of the Ukrainian people!\" exclaimed one.
Beyond the democratic setback, many Ukrainians feared this move would erode trust from Western allies. A journalist pointed out sharply, \"European media is now full of headlines about 'Ukraine backsliding'—this is a complete political disaster.\"
Amidst this backdrop, civil society urged Western allies to intervene. \"Ukraine's progress is the result of people's determination, not political favors,\" emphasized one commentator.
While politicians disappointed, there remained a steadfast belief among Ukrainian civilians in democracy and the rule of law. \"We know you manipulate public opinion, but people aren't fools,\" wrote a programmer in response to Zelensky on X (formerly Twitter).
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