Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has approved a draft bill to restore the independence of anti-corruption agencies, following nationwide protests and EU concerns over recent reforms that threatened their autonomy.

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has responded to widespread public protests by submitting draft legislation aimed at reinstating the independence of Ukraine's two main anti-corruption agencies. The move comes after an initial bill, which would have placed the agencies under the control of the Prosecutor General, drew criticism for potentially undermining democratic oversight and concentrating power in the presidency.

The European Union welcomed Zelensky's decision to reverse the earlier bill, highlighting the importance of independent anti-corruption bodies for Ukraine's efforts to join the bloc. Protesters have indicated they will continue to monitor the situation and push for the passage of the new legislation to ensure genuine reform.

Zelensky approves anti-corruption bill after protests

For three consecutive days, public outrage has spilled into the streets of Ukraine, after Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bill to limit the country's two anti-corruption agencies. But under pressure, the President has reversed course and says he has approved draft legislation to reinstate their independence. Today, my bill is already submitted in Parliament, as I promised, for justice, for law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies, giving full guarantees of independence. The initial bill was first adopted on Tuesday and would have placed the two agencies under the direct control of the Prosecutor General, an official appointed by the President. He claimed he was attempting to clean up Russian infiltration, but in a country with a long history of corruption, the issue is sensitive. Critics felt the initial bill was a sharp democratic backslide and concentrated power squarely in Zelensky's hands. Many now say they will continue to protest until the new draft legislation is actually passed. We will monitor the situation, we will make sure that this really happens and that we restore the independence of the anti-corruption agencies. This bill that the President submitted seems like everything will be fine. And in principle, we read it and saw changes for the better, but we need to keep pushing. On Thursday, the EU welcomed Zelensky's pledge to reinstate the independence of the two agencies, after criticising the initial bill as a step back, particularly for Ukraine's ascension to the bloc.

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Zelensky approves anti-corruption bill after protests

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Ukraine Invasion