Only 23 years old and working in green energy, Zinaida Averina never imagined she’d become a key figure in Kyiv’s largest youth protests since Euro-Maidan.
Back in the winter of 2014, when Viktor Yanukovych’s security forces were shooting protesters on the Maidan, she was only in sixth grade.
But she became a participant and coordinator of the demonstrations that erupted after the parliamentary majority in the Verkhovna Rada passed a controversial law curbing the powers of anti-corruption institutions, particularly the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), which had recently brought charges against over ten MPs from the president’s party and three ministers, including a deputy prime minister.
The public outcry sparked by the law quickly escalated into mass protests.
Notably, these rallies had no clearly expressed leadership. The youth, very active in their demands, used obscene language to chase away MPs they felt were trying to score political points at the protest.
What does it take to guide such a spontaneous movement? What do young Ukrainians expect from their leaders? Do they really want to see the president removed, as some Western and Russian media suggest? And why have anti-corruption institutions suddenly become a rallying point for this generation?
Kyiv Post sat down with Averina to find out.
So, why? What was the reason for the mass rallies that started here five days ago?
On July 22, it was a regular workday for me when, midday, I saw the news that parliament was about to vote on a law that would undermine the independence of the anti-corruption system. I realized something had to be done. Then I watched a press conference by the head of NABU, and it became clear that something was seriously wrong – it felt like a red line had been crossed, a signal that our government was sliding toward autocracy. Yes, that might sound like a strong word, but I’ll say it anyway.
By the evening, we saw a message from one of the veterans calling on people to gather near the President’s Office, and a lot of people responded.
I started a group chat to coordinate with some friends, and as more people joined, it kept growing. Now, that chat has more than 2,700 young people – all staying in touch, organizing actions, and standing up for the anti-corruption system.
How old are you? Where do you work?
I’m 23, not a student anymore – I’m a specialist and a senior consultant. My work has nothing to do with anti-corruption; it’s completely unrelated. I work in the field of green transition and sustainable agriculture.
As far as I understand, you hadn’t taken part in mass actions before?
No, at our last major rally, the Revolution of Dignity in 2014, I was only 12 years old, so I wasn’t able to participate in it. But one of the messages we’re trying to convey is that we are continuing the legacy of the Revolution of Dignity, and the anti-corruption institutions are part of that legacy.
I’m not involved in any NGOs or student organizations. I’m part of a few informal student communities — we mostly just raise money for our soldiers on the front line. Other than that, there aren’t any organizations I represent.
What’s the goal?
Everything started with *Law #4555, which threatened the independence of anti-corruption bodies. All of our gatherings are focused solely on reforms within the anti-corruption system.
In our group chat, the first priority we discussed was this: we support our government. Because we’re at war right now. That’s extremely important — it’s about our existence. All our institutions are functioning: the president, the government, the parliament, the police, and so on.
So this isn’t about elections or anything else, which can be very dangerous during wartime. It’s only about reforms.
*Editor’s Note: #4555 is the original version of the bill, which later became known as Law #12414
So, what do you expect from the authorities to stop the rallies?
We’ve been holding rallies for five days. The largest was on the second day in Kyiv, with about 10,000 people, and there were dozens of other actions in major cities across Ukraine. The authorities have heard our demands, so now we’re waiting for the parliamentary hearings on July 31.
They need to vote on the so-called ‘President’s law,’ which will restore the independence of the anti-corruption bodies.
The day before, on July 30, we’re planning a large rally to emphasize the importance of passing this law. If it does pass, I think the rallies will wind down, but we still have many other anti-corruption reforms we want to advocate for.
Why are these anti-corruption institutions and their status so untouchable for Ukrainians?
First of all, as I mentioned, this is part of the legacy of the Revolution of Dignity. That revolution was about justice and equality.
Secondly, the anti-corruption system is extremely important for our efforts toward European integration. These reforms are one of the key requirements for that process.
We understand there are some critics who say the reforms might not be as effective as we hoped, but that doesn’t mean we should abandon them. They are also part of the demand for justice and equality in society, and they’re crucial for civil society to hold our authorities accountable, making sure they act legally and aren’t involved in money laundering.
What do you say to critics of your rallies?
Even during the war, there are different opinions among our soldiers and military personnel, but one thing is clear: a lot of corruption scandals and shady deals happen in military procurement — like in buying drones and other weapons. We need a strong anti-corruption system to prevent corruption in army purchases, which will make us stronger against Russia.
Of course, Russia wants to weaken our anti-corruption institutions because if corrupt officials steal money meant for weapons procurement, we become weaker. That’s why anti-corruption bodies are especially important during the war.
Did you face any threats from police or security forces?
At the moment, no. But we are aware of the possibility and prepared to handle it if it happens. I can say that the police have been working with us productively – they help ensure our gatherings are safe and orderly, giving people the chance to express their demands. So for now, it’s more of a cooperative relationship.
Why are a lot of young people visiting these rallies?
First, after the Revolution of Dignity, we are the next generation of civil society. That’s the first.
Second. During the war, all important issues get more attention from young people because it’s about our future. A lot of people have moved abroad, but young people here have chosen to stay and to help their country during the war. So, they’re waking up and thinking about what’s important for us now.
And third. A lot of people are in the army now, and soldiers are called up to service at 25 years old and up, so younger people often attend the rallies to represent those who are on the front lines.
Why all these cardboard signs?
We’re Ukrainians, and even during the war, we’ve got a good sense of humor. Everyone wants to show up, stand out, and keep this fire burning by being creative and focused on our goal!