Context:

Volodymyr Zelensky's administration is facing criticism for allegedly undermining Ukraine’s anti-corruption organizations and targeting activists like Vitalii Shabunin, who is accused of evading military service. Amidst ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukrainian security agencies conducted raids on the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and Special Anticorruption Prosecutor, citing Russian intelligence infiltration. A new law passed by Parliament, potentially granting increased powers to the prosecutor general, has sparked protests and concerns about eroding democratic reforms. Activists argue that these measures represent a crackdown on independent voices critical of the government, threatening the progress made in fighting corruption. International allies, meanwhile, express concern but have largely remained silent, focusing on unity against Russia, while domestic media and NGOs criticize the government's actions.

Dive Deeper:

• Vitalii Shabunin, a prominent anti-corruption advocate, faces charges of evading military service, which he denies, arguing that the accusations are politically motivated. His trial is seen as indicative of a broader campaign against anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine.

• Ukrainian security agencies launched raids on key anti-corruption bodies, claiming infiltration by Russian intelligence. These actions coincide with legislative moves to increase the prosecutor general's power over these independent agencies.

• Thousands protested in Kyiv against the legislative changes, marking the largest antigovernment demonstrations since Russia's full-scale invasion. Protesters demand Zelensky not sign the new law, fearing it could dismantle years of democratic gains.

• The Group of 7 expressed serious concerns over Ukraine's actions against its anti-corruption agencies, which were initially established with international support to curb government abuse.

• Zelensky's administration dismisses criticism, but analysts warn that targeting corruption fighters could undermine Ukraine's democratic institutions and inadvertently serve Russian interests.

• Despite international concern, European allies prioritize unity against Russia, avoiding direct censure of Ukraine's government, which emboldens the administration to target critics, according to domestic NGOs.

• Shabunin has been a vocal critic of corruption in Ukraine, including government scandals involving inflated contracts during the war, highlighting the tension between maintaining national unity and addressing corruption.