Zelensky promises to submit a bill restoring anti-corruption agencies' independence

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on July 24 that he had approved the text of a new draft law aimed at reinforcing the rule of law and safeguarding the independence of Ukraine's anti-corruption institutions. He pledged to submit the bill to parliament the same day.

The announcement comes just two days after Zelensky signed controversial legislation on July 22 that critics say dismantled the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). That bill has drawn strong domestic and international criticism and sparked mass protests across the country.

Though the details of Zelensky’s new draft have not been made public, he said the goal is to protect Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies from political interference and Russian influence. “The most important thing is real tools, no Russian connections, and the independence of NABU and SAPO,” Zelensky said. “The bill will be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine today.”

However, anti-corruption activists have expressed skepticism, saying it's too early to tell whether the new legislation will effectively reverse the damage caused by the earlier bill.

Earlier on July 24, a group of 48 cross-party lawmakers submitted their own bill to parliament aimed at restoring the independence of NABU and SAPO. Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, head of the parliamentary committee on freedom of speech, commented on Facebook: “Tomorrow the bill can be voted on. Your move, Mr. President.”

The backlash stems from a law passed and signed on July 22 that grants the prosecutor general sweeping new powers over NABU and SAPO investigations. These include the ability to issue binding instructions, reassign cases, and delegate SAPO’s authority to other prosecutors — effectively stripping both bodies of their institutional safeguards.

The prosecutor general is also now permitted to shut down NABU-led investigations at the request of a defendant's legal team.

Critics, including civil society groups and opposition lawmakers, say the law has nothing to do with fighting Russian influence — despite Zelensky's claims — and instead directly weakens the country’s core anti-corruption infrastructure.

The public backlash has been swift. Demonstrators gathered in cities including Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro, and Odesa on July 23-24 to demand the restoration of independent oversight and to warn of a growing threat to Ukrainian democracy. Several protestors called the July 22 law a “point of no return.”

In response to the uproar, Zelensky convened a high-level meeting with heads of Ukraine’s top law enforcement and anti-corruption institutions. He later announced that a joint action plan to strengthen the justice system would be presented within two weeks.

“We all hear what society is saying,” Zelensky said. “We see what people expect from state institutions — ensured justice and the effective functioning of each institution.”

The crisis has also drawn concern from Ukraine’s international partners. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen raised “strong concerns” over the legislation in a conversation with Zelensky, according to Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier on July 23.

Russians attacked Odessa, a famous local market engulfed in fire

A Russian drone strike on Odesa overnight on July 24 caused damage to residential buildings, a gas station, and the city’s historic Pryvoz market, according to local officials.

“There is also damage to architectural monuments in Odesa’s historic center, which is under UNESCO protection,” Odesa Oblast Governor Oleh Kiper said in a Telegram post.

Explosions were reported throughout the night until the all-clear was given at 2:36 a.m. local time in Odesa Oblast.

In the aftermath, the State Emergency Service confirmed that firefighters were working to contain a blaze at Pryvoz, the city’s iconic open-air market.

“Pryvoz is more than just a market — it’s the beating heart of Odesa Oblast, where the spirit and rhythm of the city come alive,” the service said in a statement. “Rescuers are working to minimize the damage caused by Russian terror and preserve this cultural landmark for both locals and tourists.”

Odesa Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov shared photos of debris and damage along Prymorskyi Boulevard, a popular area in the city.

Just days earlier, on July 19, another Russian drone attack on Odesa left one person dead and six others injured after a fire broke out in a residential building.

Russia has ramped up its drone and missile assaults in recent weeks, leading to increased Western sanctions against Moscow and renewed international support for Ukraine.

Regional officials also reported that Russian attacks on July 23 killed at least two people and injured 30 more across Ukraine.

Yesterday, July 23, 2025, Russian and Ukrainian delegations met in Istanbul for the third round of U.S.-brokered peace talks aimed at ending the ongoing war, but the discussions yielded no significant progress toward a ceasefire. The meeting, held at the Ciragan Palace and lasting approximately 40 minutes, saw both sides reaffirming their entrenched positions, with Ukraine’s delegation, led by Rustem Umerov, proposing a full, unconditional ceasefire and a leaders’ summit involving Presidents Zelenskyy, Putin, Trump, and Turkish President Erdoğan. Russia, represented by Vladimir Medinsky, rejected the ceasefire proposal and maintained its demands, which include Ukraine’s withdrawal from four annexed regions (Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson), demilitarization, and a permanent block on NATO membership—conditions Ukraine considers tantamount to surrender. Despite the lack of progress on core issues, the talks underscored the deep mistrust between the two sides, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating there was “no basis to expect any magical breakthroughs.”

Russia and Ukraine held peace talks in Istanbul, no ceasefire breakthrough achieved

On July 23, 2025, Russian and Ukrainian delegations convened in Istanbul for the third round of U.S.-brokered peace talks at the Ciragan Palace, aiming to resolve the ongoing war, but the 40-minute discussion ended without a ceasefire agreement. Ukraine, led by Rustem Umerov, proposed an unconditional ceasefire and a leaders’ summit involving Presidents Zelensky, Putin, Trump, and Turkish President Erdogan, while Russia, represented by Vladimir Medinsky, reiterated demands for Ukraine’s withdrawal from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, demilitarization, and a permanent NATO membership ban—terms Ukraine deems unacceptable. The Kremlin’s Dmitry Peskov noted “no basis for magical breakthroughs,” reflecting deep mistrust, exacerbated by Russia’s continued military actions, including recent drone and missile strikes. Despite the impasse, both sides agreed to expand humanitarian efforts, building on prior rounds in May and June 2025 that facilitated 1,000 prisoner swaps each and the repatriation of deceased soldiers’ remains, with Ukraine emphasizing the return of abducted children.

The talks highlighted Turkey’s role as a neutral mediator, with Erdogan offering to host future sessions, though expectations remain low due to the starkly opposing positions. Ukraine’s push for a 30-day ceasefire was rejected by Russia, which favored short, localized truces, while Zelensky’s call for a leaders’ summit was dismissed by Moscow, citing his perceived illegitimacy. Social media posts on X and reports from TASS and Reuters underscored the lack of progress, with Ukraine advocating for stronger Western sanctions to pressure Russia. The brief meeting duration and Russia’s rigid stance suggest a diplomatic strategy to maintain appearances rather than seek genuine compromise, while Ukraine uses the talks to secure humanitarian gains and bolster international support, amid concerns over domestic issues like the controversial anti-corruption bill signed by Zelensky.