Zelensky weakens the anti-corruption agency, criticized by the public as the biggest mistake since taking office.

Ukrainian President Zelensky suddenly decided to weaken the anti-corruption bureau, catching Ukraine's allies off guard, potentially causing lasting damage to Ukraine's desire to join the European Union. On Tuesday, amid fierce protests, legislation approved by Ukrainian leaders quickly passed in parliament, leading to thousands of protesters taking to the streets for the first time since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Zelensky later defended his move to strip the anti-corruption agency of its independence, calling it a way to eliminate Russian influence. However, European leaders see this as a major setback for Ukraine's Western integration efforts. Officials familiar with the situation say that this new law could hinder long-term negotiations regarding EU accession and jeopardize Ukraine's future war funding. An official called this Zelensky's biggest mistake since taking office in 2019. An EU spokesperson said on Wednesday that the President of the European Commission, von der Leyen, talked to Zelensky expressing her "deep concern" and requesting an explanation.