Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he would replace a recently passed anti-corruption bill with a new version on Thursday. The initial bill, passed Wednesday, granted the government increased oversight of anti-corruption bodies, prompting widespread protests across Ukraine and condemnation from the European Union. Thousands protested, drawing parallels to the pro-Russian era of President Viktor Yanukovych. Zelenskyy stated on X that the new bill will "guarantee real strengthening of the rule of law in Ukraine, independence of anti-corruption bodies and reliable protection of the rule of law from any Russian influence or interference."

The initial bill sparked concerns about undermining the independence of anti-corruption agencies, a key concern for the EU, a major supporter of Ukraine. Transparency International's Ukrainian branch criticized the initial bill, stating it damaged significant reforms and harmed trust with international partners. The EU highlighted that reforms are essential for closer European integration and for Ukraine to receive billions of dollars in Western aid.

Impact Statement: The withdrawal and replacement of the anti-corruption bill demonstrates the influence of public opinion and international pressure on Ukrainian policy, with implications for Ukraine's EU accession efforts and continued Western support.