Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy submitted a new draft bill to the Verkhovna Rada on Thursday, aiming to quell widespread criticism over a previously passed law that critics deemed conducive to corruption. The initial law, passed Tuesday, placed the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) under the prosecutor general's authority. This decision prompted protests in Kyiv and other major cities, despite martial law, and drew concern from European allies who cited corruption concerns as obstacles to EU membership and continued aid.

Zelenskyy initially justified the law as a measure against suspected Russian influence within the agencies. However, facing intense domestic and international pressure, he reversed course, promising new legislation ensuring the independence of anti-corruption institutions and promising to eliminate any Russian influence or interference. Opposition lawmakers have also drafted their own bill to revoke the original legislation. Zelenskyy spoke with the leaders of Germany and the United Kingdom on Thursday, inviting experts from both countries to participate in reviewing the new draft bill.

The impact of this legislative reversal remains to be seen, but it highlights the significant pressure on Zelenskyy's administration to address corruption concerns while navigating the ongoing war with Russia. The timing of a vote on the new bill in the Verkhovna Rada is unclear.