International News
Thousands Protest In Kyiv Against Law Curbing Anti-Graft Agencies
Several thousand people rallied in central Kyiv on Wednesday in an unprecedented protest against a law signed off by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that removes the independence of two key anti-corruption bodies.
The mostly young marchers urged Zelensky to veto the legislation in the biggest protest in Kyiv since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The bill passed on Tuesday is the latest in a series of moves criticised by Ukrainian anti-corruption activists. They warn that growing government pressure threatens Ukraine’s reforms and ambition to join the European Union.
Zelensky has rejected the criticism, saying the law was needed to root out alleged Russian influence in anti-corruption institutions — a charge denied by activists.
“We all share a common enemy: the Russian occupiers,” Zelensky said after meeting with top law enforcement and anti-corruption officials on Wednesday.
“And defending the Ukrainian state requires a strong enough law enforcement system — one that ensures a real sense of justice,” he added.
In a statement on social media, he said he would propose a new bill that would “ensure the norms for the independence of anti-corruption institutions”.
The law places the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) under the direct authority of the prosecutor general, who is appointed by the president.
After meeting with Zelensky, the NABU and SAPO repeated their criticism of the changes and said “unambiguous legislative steps are required to reinstate the guarantees revoked by parliament”.
‘Gift to Putin’
Some fear that a political crisis over the legislation could work in Russia’s favour by undermining unity within the country.
“This is a gift to Putin,” Oleksandra Matviichuk, head of the Centre for Civil Liberties, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, said of the law.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there was “a lot of corruption”, answering a question about the protests in Kyiv.
Zelensky signed the law on Tuesday as protesters gathered in front of the Ivan Franko theatre, where they projected a message reading “Veto the Law”.
The news of its approval was met with anger from protesters, who vowed to gather again on Wednesday at 8:00 pm local time (1700 GMT).
“Of course, everyone has heard what people are saying these days, what people are saying on social networks, to each other, on the streets. All this is not in vain.” Zelensky said on social media.
The government insists the law will make the anti-corruption agencies function better. Its critics say it consolidates power in Zelensky’s hands and will allow government meddling in high-profile graft cases.
EU ‘step back’
Kyiv’s partners reacted with alarm, worrying the move would undermine anti-corruption reforms key to Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union.
European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen has demanded “explanations” from Zelensky over the change, the EU said Wednesday.
“President von der Leyen conveyed her strong concerns about the consequences of the amendments,” said a spokesman.
“The dismantling of key safeguards protecting NABU’s independence is a serious step back,” EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said.
The NABU began work in 2015, as Kyiv sought to bring the country closer to Europe after a 2014 pro-European revolution.
Since its inception, the agency has uncovered widespread graft, including among figures in Zelensky’s administration.
READ ALSO: Ukraine Proposes Fresh Peace Talks With Russia Next Week
On Monday, law enforcement conducted large-scale raids at NABU, detaining one employee on suspicion of spying for Russia.
Transparency International’s Ukraine office called the raids an “attempt by the authorities to undermine the independence of Ukraine’s post-Revolution of Dignity anti-corruption institutions”.
The raids followed proceedings against one of the country’s top activists, Vitaliy Shabunin, who was brought to court for alleged fraud and draft-dodging.
Some of Shabunin’s allies have denounced the case as politically motivated retribution for an investigation into the president’s inner circle, including former minister Oleksiy Chernyshov.
It also comes as the government rejected the appointment of the head of the Bureau of Economic Security, citing alleged connections with Russia.
That decision was also heavily criticised by Ukrainian civil society.
International News
Nottingham Forest Sacks 5th Manager In 10 Months, To Wrap Up Oliver Glasner’s Deal
Oliver Glasner is in advanced talks to replace Vitor Pereira as Nottingham Forest head coach, a move which would see the Austrian become the club’s fifth manager in less than a year.
Pereira announced his departure from the club in a statement on Wednesday, saying that it came as a “complete surprise to me and without any warning”.
Glasner is a free agent after leaving Crystal Palace — where he won the FA Cup in 2024-25 and then the Community Shield and Conference League the following campaign — and is set to stay in the Premier League.
The 51-year-old confirmed in January that he would leave Palace at the end of the season after two years in charge.
On Thursday, Forest confirmed Pereira’s coaching staff Filipe Almeida, Luis Miguel, Bruno Moura, Marco Knoop and Pedro Lopes had all left the club alongside the head coach.
Pereira, 57, was appointed Forest head coach in February on an 18-month contract which runs until 2027.
The Athletic reported in May Forest had been planning to show their faith in Pereira by handing the head coach a new long-term contract, but those talks were subsequently put on hold.
“Today marks the end of my journey as head coach of Nottingham Forest,” he said in his statement.
“I want to say a sincere thank you to everyone connected with this incredible football club. Although this decision came as a complete surprise to me and without any warning, I fully respect the club’s right to make the decisions it believes are best for its future.
“Naturally, I am disappointed and saddened. I truly believed in what we were building together, and I leave with a sense of pride in everything we achieved over the past months.
“Together, we enjoyed a memorable end to the season. We secured the club’s Premier League status, reached the semi-finals of the Europa League, and created moments that will stay with me forever. Most importantly, I saw a group of players grow in confidence, belief and togetherness.
“I leave Nottingham Forest with no bitterness or resentment—only respect, gratitude and wonderful memories. Football is full of unexpected moments, and while this chapter has ended sooner than I expected, I will always look back on my time here with pride and affection.”
The Portuguese succeeded Sean Dyche and was Forest’s fourth permanent boss of the season following the departures of Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou.
Nuno had led Forest to Europa League qualification the previous season but he departed in September, less than three months after signing a new deal. Postecoglou was appointed his replacement but was dismissed just 39 days later. Dyche took charge of the team in October before his dismissal in February.
Forest were three points above the relegation zone when Pereira was appointed and he subsequently steered his side to Premier League safety with two games of the campaign remaining.
His appointment marked his second managerial spell in the Premier League after guiding Wolverhampton Wanderers to safety during the 2024-25 campaign.
Cristiano Ronaldo has publicly countered suggestions from his sister, Katia Aveiro, that he intends to retire from international football following the World Cup.
The Portuguese legend recently led his team to the round of 16 following a 2-1 victory over Croatia.
Ronaldo continued to be a pivotal player for his country, having scored the equalising goal from the penalty spot after going one goal down in the second half.
Following his goal, he became the oldest player to score in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup.
Reports from Portuguese media had quoted Aveiro stating that the current tournament would be Ronaldo’s final appearance for the national team.
Before the recent match against Croatia, Aveiro was quoted as saying, “From the information I have, from a reliable source, I believe that this is the last dance, so let’s enjoy it. I strongly believe this is the farewell.”
However, the football icon has made it clear that his focus remains solely on the present, not on his future.
“My future isn’t important right now,” Ronaldo stated. “I’ll have time; after winning or losing, I’ll talk to my family and then make the best decision.”
The legendary forward, who recently secured a trophy in Saudi Arabia, holds the record for both appearances and goals for his national team, with 146 goals in 232 caps.
The UEFA Appeals Body has announced that Czech club Karvina is banned from participating in next season’s Europa League. UEFA made the decision based on competition regulations, ruling that Karvina “directly or indirectly participated in activities aimed at manipulating or influencing the results of domestic matches,” as stated in the official resolution.
As a result of this decision, Karvina’s spot as domestic cup winner will be taken by Viktoria Plzeň, with Viktoria Plzeň’s second qualifying round spot going to Hradec Králové. Jablonec will fill the vacant Conference League spot originally held by Hradec Králové.
In the Europa League, Hradec Králové will face Tromsø. In the Conference League, Jablonec will face Varaždin.
Viktoria Plzeň will learn their opponent in the Europa League playoff draw on Monday, August 3.
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