Ukraine, authoritarian turn and corruption allegations: after three years of unconditional support, von der Leyen demands answers from Zelenskyy.

After more than three years of unconditional military and financial aid—granted in the name of Ukraine’s democratic resistance to the Russian invasion—Europe seems to be waking up. Or at the very least, it’s starting to ask questions. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has broken her silence, which had lasted since 2022, by requesting explanations from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following the approval of a controversial law that curtails the independence of the country’s anti-corruption agencies.

The law, signed today by Zelenskyy and already condemned as dangerous by both Brussels and Berlin, transfers key decision-making powers in the fight against corruption to the Prosecutor General’s Office—an institution under the control of the executive branch—raising concerns over political interference in investigations and judicial proceedings. In other words, Kyiv is tightening its grip over its supposedly “independent authorities.” And this time, Brussels is taking notice.

The move comes at a delicate moment for Zelenskyy’s government, which remains in power despite his presidential term officially expiring on May 24, 2024. More than a year later, no date has been set for new presidential elections—a situation that, in any other context, would be described for what it is: a de facto suspension of democracy.

As Brussels demands clarification, thousands of Ukrainians have taken to the streets. In Kyiv and other cities, protests against the law passed by the Rada have drawn some of the largest crowds since the start of the Russian invasion. The demonstrations reflect growing public anger over what many see as the real risk of an authoritarian drift, hidden behind the banner of “national unity.”

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul publicly voiced his concern, stating that “limiting the independence of Ukraine’s anti-corruption authority places a burden on the country’s path toward the EU.” Just months ago, such statements would have been unthinkable within EU circles.

Yet one fundamental question remains unanswered: How was it possible to funnel billions in funding to a country consistently ranked among the most corrupt in Europe, despite glaring democratic deficiencies and a lack of transparency? More importantly, what legitimacy does a president have whose term expired over a year ago, in a country where no electoral timetable is even in sight?

Brussels is now rediscovering the value of the rule of law—but the price, a steep one, has already been paid. Weapons, macro-financial assistance, energy support: the EU has spent billions in taxpayer funds based on the narrative of a “democratic Ukraine” resisting Russian autocracy. A narrative now visibly cracking.

EU Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath has issued a warning: “The risk is that the anti-corruption institutions—pillars of the Ukrainian rule of law—will be weakened. As a candidate country, Ukraine must fully comply with EU standards.” But what happens if Kyiv chooses to ignore these warnings?

Von der Leyen now faces a crucial choice—not one of slogans and wartime rhetoric, but of political responsibility. Will she continue to turn a blind eye, dismissing protests as the result of “Russian interference,” as she did in the European Parliament following the recent vote of no confidence? Or will Brussels, for the first time since 2022, have the courage to reassess its approach?

Meanwhile, in Ukraine, democracy is on hold. But the flow of weapons and money—at least for now—is not.

Photo: Christophe Licoppe, European Union, 2022 – © EC Audiovisual Service