Ukrainian activists have called for fresh protests against a new law they say weakens Ukraine's anti-corruption bodies, following the first major anti-government demonstration in more than three years of war.
The bill has also drawn criticism from EU officials and international rights groups, and has increased pressure on President Volodymyr Zelensky and threatened his public support at a critical time in the war.
On Wednesday evening, delegations from Russia and Ukraine met in Istanbul for a third round of talks in recent months, although expectations for a breakthrough were low.
This morning, Mr Zelensky gathered the heads of Ukraine's key anti-corruption and security agencies in response to outrage over his decision to approve the law passed by parliament.
“We all hear what society is saying,” Zelensky wrote on Telegram after the meeting. However, he stressed that a new legal framework is needed to more aggressively combat corruption.
“Criminal cases should not drag on for years without convictions, and those who work against Ukraine should not feel comfortable and unpunished,” he said.
Mr Zelensky noted that all government bodies agreed to work constructively and respond to public expectations for fairness and efficiency.
He said a detailed joint action plan aimed at addressing institutional deficiencies, removing legal obstacles and ensuring justice in all areas is expected to be presented within two weeks.
Thousands of people gathered in the capital and other cities on Tuesday to call on Mr Zelensky to veto the controversial bill. After it was approved, activists posted calls on social media for another demonstration in central Kyiv on Wednesday evening.
Mr Zelensky has become an international symbol of Ukraine's resolve to repel a full-scale Russian invasion, and its domestic problems have become an unwelcome distraction from the war effort.
In his address to the nation on Wednesday, Mr Zelensky acknowledged the protests and criticism and said the government and law enforcement agencies had agreed to develop concrete steps to “strengthen the rule of law in Ukraine”.
He said the recommendations would lead to a bill he would introduce to parliament to protect the agencies' autonomy.
The bill would tighten government oversight of two key anti-corruption agencies, a move critics say could significantly weaken their independence and increase the influence of Zelensky's inner circle over investigations.
– EU officials warn of potential hurdles to joining bloc
Tackling entrenched corruption is critical to Ukraine's EU aspirations.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
