• President Zelenskyy vows to introduce new legislation amid protests over the anti-corruption law.
• The controversial law curbed the independence of key anti-corruption bodies, sparking public outcry.
• Thousands protested in major cities, demanding safeguards for anti-corruption institutions.
• New bill aims to restore independence and assure no political interference.
• EU officials express concerns regarding Ukraine's anti-corruption efforts related to EU membership.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced plans to submit a new anti-corruption bill following widespread protests against a recently approved law that critics argue undermines the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO). This law places these institutions under the authority of the prosecutor general, who is appointed by the president, leading to allegations of potential political interference in corruption investigations, according to Al Jazeera, TRT Global, and India Times.

Protests erupted across Ukraine, marking the first significant demonstrations since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Protesters demanded the veto of the law, asserting that it contradicts Ukraine’s aspirations for EU membership and its commitment to fighting corruption. “Our struggle takes place on two fronts,” protester Viacheslav Bykov remarked, emphasizing the importance of avoiding a corrupt governance system similar to that of Russia, according to South China Morning Post and BBC.

Zelenskyy defended the need for the controversial law by citing concerns about “Russian influence” within the anti-corruption bodies, particularly after law enforcement actions against NABU employees suspected of spying for Russia. However, public and international backlash followed swiftly, with European Commission officials articulating fears that the legislation jeopardized Ukraine’s anti-corruption reforms necessary for EU accession, as noted by HuffPost and Al Jazeera.

In response to the protests and criticism, Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that he would present a new draft legislation designed to guarantee the independence of NABU and SAPO. This bill is purportedly crafted in consultation with anti-corruption officials and promises the restoration of their procedural powers. The proposed reforms include provisions to eliminate Russian influence and enhance the operational independence of these institutions, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach to law enforcement, according to India Times and South China Morning Post.

Despite the introduction of the new bill, questions remain regarding the timeline for parliamentary approval and whether further protests will occur as citizens continue to voice their concerns over potential governmental overreach in the anti-corruption framework. The unrest comes during a precarious period as Ukraine faces intensified military actions from Russia and ongoing debates over international military support, illustrating the dual crisis of governance and national security facing the country, according to BBC and HuffPost.