Kyiv Protests Erupt Against Ukraine's Controversial Anti-Corruption Law

Kyiv, Jul 24 (AP) Opponents of a newly implemented law, which they argue undermines the independence of Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies, have called for a third consecutive day of nationwide protests on Thursday. This comes despite President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's efforts to ease tensions by promising legislative safeguards.

After a meeting with the heads of Ukraine's prominent anti-corruption and security agencies, Zelenskyy committed to act on their recommendations by proposing a bill to Parliament aimed at enhancing the rule of law.

“And very importantly: all the norms for the independence of anti-corruption institutions will be in place,” Zelenskyy assured in his video address late Wednesday.

He acknowledged the uproar caused by the new corruption law, which also received criticism from European Union officials and international rights organizations.

“It's not falling on deaf ears,” Zelenskyy remarked about the complaints. “We've analyzed all the concerns, all the aspects of what needs to be changed and what needs to be stepped up.” However, he has not pledged to revoke the law he approved.

The legislation adopted this week tightens government oversight of two crucial anti-corruption agencies, a move critics believe could severely compromise their independence and increase the influence of Zelenskyy's associates over investigations.

The protests have not demanded Zelenskyy's ouster but represent the first significant anti-government demonstrations since the war began, occurring at a challenging time for Ukraine in its ongoing struggle to repel Russia's invasion.

Russia's more substantial military forces are intensifying their attempts to breach Ukraine's front-line defenses while escalating bombardments of Ukrainian cities. Ukraine also faces uncertainty regarding the continued provision of military aid from the United States and whether European allies can compensate, with the war's end nowhere in sight.

Delegations from Russia and Ukraine met in Istanbul for a third round of talks in recent months on Wednesday, but once more, the discussions were brief and yielded no substantial outcomes.

Zelenskyy had previously insisted that the new legal structure was necessary to intensify the crackdown on corruption. Combating entrenched corruption is crucial for Ukraine's ambition to join the EU and retain access to billions in Western aid amid the conflict.

“Criminal cases should not drag on for years without verdicts, and those working against Ukraine must not feel comfortable or immune from punishment,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, regional authorities reported that Russian planes dropped two powerful glide bombs on Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, on Thursday morning, injuring at least 16 individuals, including a 10-year-old girl who experienced an acute stress reaction.

The southeastern city of Odesa and Cherkasy in central Ukraine were also struck overnight, as per authorities, with drone and missile attacks injuring 11 people, including a 9-year-old, and damaging historic landmarks and residential buildings.

In an attempt to counter, Ukraine is aiming to escalate its long-range drone attacks on Russia using domestically developed technology.

An overnight Ukrainian drone attack on the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi resulted in the deaths of two women and injured 11 others, according to local authorities on Thursday.

An oil depot was hit, although officials did not provide detailed information. (AP) SKS GRS GRS

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