On July 22, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed into law a controversial bill that weakens the authority of Ukraine’s main anti-corruption agencies, sparking widespread protests across the country. This marks the first time that Ukrainians have gathered in mass protests against the current government, as well as the first nationwide protests since the Euromaidan demonstrations of 2013.
The newly passed law outlines that the two independent anti-corruption agencies—the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO)—will now come under the control of the country’s prosecutor general, transferring the power to make the final call on key corruption cases to him.
Zelenskyy has justified the approval of the new law by stating that the organizations had failed to pursue Ukrainian officials who are currently abroad. He also implied that the agencies were leaking information to Moscow.
His move sparked a wave of criticism, and Ukrainians have taken to the streets, demanding that Zelenskyy veto the new law.
Indeed, while national support for Zelenskyy has grown significantly since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, lately, the tide has been turning.
It is hard to deny the diplomatic achievements of President Zelenskyy and his efforts to bring an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine. It's been over three years since the devastating war between Russia and Ukraine began, and President Zelenskyy has been on the ground supporting the Ukrainian people almost without pause. However, his latest move has caused many to grow disillusioned with him, even some of his most loyal supporters.
The entire world is watching his every move and what he will do next. But what about the moves that made him the leader he is today, and all at the age of 47? Zelenskyy, who began his career as a comedian and later an actor, has gone from entertainer to wartime leader, defying Russia's invasion.
Who is this unlikely figurehead whose defiance against unprovoked aggression has inspired people around the globe? Click through and find out more about Volodymyr Zelenskyy.