Ukraine Reverses Controversial Anti-Corruption Bill Amid Public Outcry

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy submitted a draft law to restore the independence of anti-corruption agencies after facing backlash over earlier measures that increased prosecutorial control. The new bill, deemed urgent, aims to protect agencies from political influence and ensure procedural independence, amidst international and domestic criticism.

In a swift response to widespread public criticism, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has put forward draft legislation aimed at reinstating the autonomy of the nation's anti-corruption agencies. This move follows controversial actions that had placed greater control in the hands of the prosecutor general, a political appointee.

The original measures provoked rare protests across Ukraine and cast doubt upon the country's aspirations for EU membership. The new legislative proposal, developed in collaboration with the agencies concerned, promises to restore procedural powers and independence for the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO).

Despite his strong image during the ongoing conflict with Russia, Zelenskiy faced significant backlash both domestically and from international allies. Countries such as Britain and Germany have offered their expertise to ensure the bill meets democratic standards, underlining the legislation's importance to Ukraine's political stability and EU accession hopes.

(With inputs from agencies.)