End of Ukraine's 'untouchables'? Zelensky faces final choice for Ukraine's anti-corruption future

Key Points:

• The recent corruption accusations against Andriy Yermak, former Head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, highlight the strength of Ukraine's independent anti-corruption institutions rather than an increase in corruption.
• Ukraine's anti-corruption bodies, such as NABU and SAPO, were established under sustained EU pressure and conditionalities tied to closer European integration, proving their value amid ongoing challenges.
• Public protests in July 2025 successfully defended the independence of these institutions, reflecting widespread popular demand for reform despite high dissatisfaction with current anti-corruption and judicial efforts.
• President Zelensky now faces a critical opportunity to strengthen transparency and reform governance, with political will present in the Verkhovna Rada to support necessary legislative changes.
• The continuation of anti-corruption efforts is essential for Ukraine’s security and European integration aspirations, with the outcome depending on whether leadership prioritizes institutional integrity over entrenched power networks.