Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced his intention to withdraw a contentious law affecting NABU and SAP and to introduce an alternative bill. This decision follows public dissatisfaction, mass protests in several Ukrainian cities, and pressure from Western partners.
Zelensky acknowledged the need to listen to citizens and emphasized that the forthcoming anti-corruption bill would guarantee the independence and strength of anti-corruption bodies. However, experts warn that new legislation may retain levers of influence over NABU and SAP, and formal independence does not always translate into increased powers.
Protest participants stress the importance of maintaining the transparency of the anti-corruption system and preventing the veiling of corruption through increased presidential powers. Western leaders have indicated that a rollback of reforms could weaken international support and affect Ukraine's cooperation with the EU and the US.
Meanwhile, negotiations over a possible prisoner exchange continue, but Russia shows little readiness for peace and only puts forward formal proposals to resume talks in the Minsk format. Diplomats report ongoing discussions, though no substantial concessions from Russia have been observed.
Other key events include shelling of Ukrainian cities, Ukrainian drones striking a Russian oil depot near Sochi, and a continued Western expectation of transparency in Ukrainian reforms, as political pressure scenarios gain traction.
Analysts urge the public to closely monitor the authorities' next steps regarding the anti-corruption bill and remark on the importance of democracy and civic protest in defending reforms.
