(23 Jul 2025)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Kyiv, Ukraine – 23 July 2025
1. Pan of protesters chanting and holding up posters
2. Mid of protesters walking by
3. Mid of protesters holding banners and clapping
4. Pan of protesters, poster reading (English) "Heroes die, thieves legislate"
5. Close of dog with sign hanging from neck
6. Various of protesters marching
STORYLINE:
Activists on Wednesday called for more protests against a new law they say weakens Ukraine’s anti-corruption watchdogs, following the first major anti-government demonstration in over three years of war.
The legislation also has drawn rebukes from European Union officials and international rights groups, as well as putting increased pressure on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and endangering his public support at a critical phase of the war.
On Wednesday evening, delegations from Russia and Ukraine met in Istanbul for a third round of talks in as many months, although expectations for a breakthrough were low.
In the morning, Zelenskyy convened the heads of Ukraine’s key anti-corruption and security agencies in response to the outcry against his decision to approve the law that was passed by parliament.
Zelenskyy said all government agencies agreed to work constructively and respond to public expectations for fairness and effectiveness.
A detailed joint action plan is expected within two weeks, aimed at addressing institutional weaknesses, removing legal hurdles, and ensuring justice across the board, he said.
Thousands of people gathered in the capital and other cities Tuesday to urge Zelenskyy to veto the controversial bill.
After he approved it, activists went on social media to call for another demonstration Wednesday night in central Kyiv.
Zelenskyy has been the international face of Ukraine’s determination to defeat Russia’s all-out invasion, and his domestic troubles are an unwelcome diversion from the war effort.
Zelenskyy acknowledged the protests and criticism in his nightly address Wednesday, and he said government and law enforcement agencies had agreed to come up with specific steps to “strengthen the rule of law in Ukraine.”
Those recommendations, he said, would lead to a bill he would propose to parliament to safeguard the autonomy of the agencies.
The legislation tightens government oversight of two key anti-corruption agencies.
Critics say the step could significantly weaken the independence of those agencies and give Zelenskyy’s circle greater influence over investigations.
AP video shot by Volodymyr Yurchuk
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