The ‘defender of democracy’ is now openly challenged by his own citizens.
Many were caught by surprise by yesterday’s protests in Kiev, Lvov, Odessa, and other parts of Ukraine – after all, these are the absolute first since the war began three and a half years ago.
But here at TGP we have been closely following the escalating tensions inside the war-torn country.
Four days ago (19), we reported that Amid Collapsing Morale, Ukrainians ‘Lost Faith’ in Zelensky, With 70% Convinced That Kiev Regime Leaders Are Using the War to Enrich Themselves: REPORT.
The following day (20), there was this thought-provoking development: Pulitzer Prize Winner Seymour Hersh Reports That US May Move to Oust Zelensky, Even by Force – General Zaluzhny Would Be Tasked for Succession.
On Monday (21), we showed Zelensky’s efforts to change the image of his regime: CHARM OFFENSIVE: Zelensky Reshuffles His Government, Aiming to Show a Different Side of Ukraine for the US and the World.
Meanwhile, on the same Monday, Ukraine’s domestic security agency detained two NABU (Anti-corruption agency) officials on ‘suspicion of links to Russia’.
Finally, yesterday, after the Parliament voted to strip the Anti-Corruption agencies of any real power, it was the final straw, and Massive Protests Erupt Against Zelensky in Ukraine.
This is Kiev right NOW
Crowds chanting anti-Zelensky slogans in the capital
Furious over his law destroying autonomy of key anti-corruption agencies
Do you see this on Western media? https://t.co/Qs2c1C7Q9b pic.twitter.com/uPY7TBnmaU
— RT (@RT_com) July 22, 2025
At night, Zelensky finally broke his silence – and blamed the situation on Russia.
Zelensky breaks silence HOURS after defanging anti-corruption agencies
Blames it ALL on Russia
Claims the move cuts out ‘Russian influence’
But Ukrainians aren’t buying it — protests CONTINUE https://t.co/4BZvJps0LG pic.twitter.com/CnL43jhln5
— RT (@RT_com) July 22, 2025
Euronews reported:
“Thousands of Ukrainians rallied in Kyiv and other cities on Tuesday, urging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to veto legislation which critics say undermines the country’s anti-corruption infrastructure.
The protest marked the first major rally against the government in more than three years of Russia’s ongoing, full-scale invasion.
Ukraine’s parliament had passed a bill which tightened oversight of two key anti-corruption bodies – the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). Opponents warn the measure could weaken the independence of the agencies and increase political influence over investigations.
Despite public outcry, Zelenskyy reportedly signed the bill into law on Tuesday.”
In the meantime, Military Intelligence Chief Kirilo Budanov, a young and popular leader that reportedly was about to be replaced by Zelensky but saved by US intervention, weighed on the issue.
Kyiv Independent reported:
“Nations torn by infighting will lose, [Budanov] said on July 23, amid a new law that threatens the independence of Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions.”
“‘Ukrainian history has taught us — a nation loses if it is torn apart by internal contradictions’, Budanov said in a post to Telegram.
[…] ‘We have one common trouble, one enemy. Therefore, internal contradictions should be resolved through open dialogue to achieve a single common goal — to defend our country. I am confident that Ukraine will be saved by a strong military and institutions’, Budanov said.”
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The post THE DAY AFTER: Zelensky Arrests Anti-corruption Officials, Signs Law Stripping Agencies of Power – Protesters Flood the Streets, and Ukraine Will Never Be the Same (VIDEOS) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.