On Thursday, Zelensky backtracked, saying the new bill was intended to safeguard the independence of Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (Sap), and to protect them from Russian influence.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday announced he would propose a bill to "ensure the strength of the rule of law system," in response to nationwide protests over a new law curtailing the power of anti-corruption authorities.

By Ben Aris in Berlin Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has backtracked and approved new draft legislation aimed at restoring the independence of the country’s anti-corruption agencies, after the controversial law was passed on July 22 thatgutted Ukraine’s anti-corruption reforms sparking the first mass anti-government protests since the war