Ukraine protests lead to Zelensky's U-turn on anti-corruption law

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has backtracked on a law that curtailed the independence of two anti-corruption bodies, Nabu and Sap, after nationwide protests and concerns from Western partners. The law had sparked the largest anti-government protests since the start of the war, with many worrying it would undermine the bodies' authority and effectiveness. Zelensky has now submitted a new draft law to reinstate their independence, which has been welcomed by the European Commission.

Mass protests have erupted across Ukraine against President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's new law giving the prosecutor general more power over anti-corruption agencies, sparking concerns over authoritarianism and corruption. The law has been criticized by the European Union, which views independent anti-corruption bodies as crucial to Ukraine's EU accession. Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine are set to hold peace talks in Turkey.

Russia and Ukraine exchanged strikes on Black Sea resort cities after failed ceasefire talks in Istanbul. Ukraine launched a drone strike on the Russian city of Sochi, killing one and injuring another, while Russia hit the Ukrainian port city of Odessa, damaging a residential building and the historic Privoz Market.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced plans to introduce new legislation to restore the independence of anti-corruption agencies in Ukraine, following public backlash and international condemnation over a previous law that targeted these institutions. The original law allowed the Prosecutor General to exert significant control over anti-corruption bodies, sparking fears of Russian influence and jeopardizing Ukraine's path to joining the European Union. Mass protests erupted across Ukraine, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed strong concerns to Zelenskyy. The new bill aims to ensure the independence of anti-corruption bodies and eliminate Russian influence.

The Kremlin has ruled out a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky before the final stage of peace talks, citing 'diametrically opposed' positions between the two sides. This development casts doubt on further progress in the peace talks within the 50-day deadline set by US President Donald Trump for a peace deal before imposing new sanctions on Russia.