Photos: Kyiv’s Anti-Graft Protest Enters 3rd Day Despite Zelensky’s Reversal

Locals have gathered for the third consecutive day in central Kyiv's Ivan Franko Theater, near the presidential complex, to oppose the government's earlier decision to sign away the independence of NABU and SAPO, two of Ukraine's key anti-graft agencies. 

Following President Volodymyr Zelensky’s announcement on Thursday to reverse the controversial decision, the crowd appeared visibly smaller and noticeably less angry than the day before.

Parts of the crowd applauded as some solutions were found – such as Zelensky's promised new bill to reverse the changes and another bill from the opposition to challenge the controversial Bill 12414 that was passed on Tuesday. 

That said, many remain determined to stay, shaken by the loss of faith after the controversial bill was passed on Tuesday. They say they will hold their ground until the changes are not just promised – but fully reversed.

Pictured is a male protester holding a sign that says "Democracy for Sale!" followed by the Presidential Office and its phone number. 

A protester is holding a sign that says, "NABU and SAPO – Not Royals," a seeming jab at the government's earlier decision to pass the bill despite public opposition. 

A couple was also seen holding a placard appealing for help from US First Lady Melania Trump. President Donald Trump reportedly had a change of heart on Ukraine after Melania told him – following his call with Russian President Vladimir Putin – that Russia had bombed yet another Ukrainian city during their conversation.

An elderly man held a sign in Ukrainian that roughly translates to, “Who’s scarier – Russia or Zelensky?” While Thursday’s protest saw a younger crowd overall, demonstrators from older generations also showed up in Kyiv.

As it got darker after 9:00 p.m., more protesers could be seen joining the protest, with some scribling slogans on old cardboard found on the neighboring Horodetsky Street.