He made the statement on social media.The legislation, set to be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada today, also reinforces the independence of key anti-corruption bodies.“I’ve just approved the text of a draft bill that guarantees real strengthening of Ukraine’s law enforcement system, independence of anti-corruption agencies, and reliable protection of the law enforcement system against any Russian influence or interference,” Zelenskyy stated.Describing the bill as “well-balanced,” the president emphasized that it contains “real tools,” excludes any Russian ties, and upholds the autonomy of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).Zelenskyy also underscored the broader national importance of the legislation, stressing the need for continued unity and independence. “It is important that we are maintaining unity. It is important that we are preserving independence. It is important that we respect the position of all Ukrainians and are grateful to everyone who stands with Ukraine,” he said.BackgroundOn July 22, President Zelenskyy signed into law a bill previously passed by Parliament that restricts the powers of NABU and SAPO, placing them under the control of the Prosecutor General. The status of the bill’s signature was altered multiple times on the official site — initially marked as signed, then removed, and later re-added.Play VideoThe vote sparked public outcry. Thousands of Ukrainians in major cities took to the streets demanding that Zelenskyy veto the bill, which they say undermines the country’s anti-corruption framework.The European Union also voiced strong concerns. EU Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier emphasized that NABU and SAPO are “vital to Ukraine’s anti-corruption reforms” and must remain autonomous to uphold public trust and advance EU integration.European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen personally urged Zelenskyy to explain his decision, stressing that the rule of law must not be compromised — especially as Ukraine moves toward EU membership.EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos called the move a “serious step backward” that could jeopardize Ukraine’s accession process. France and Germany echoed the concerns, urging Kyiv to rethink the legislation and maintain institutional safeguards.Overall, Brussels sees the law as a threat to Ukraine’s institutional resilience, democratic path, and continued Western support — particularly in the context of war and EU candidacy.On July 23, Zelenskyy announced that he would introduce a new presidential bill to regulate law enforcement agencies.“I will propose legislation to the Ukrainian parliament that will reinforce our law enforcement system, eliminate any Russian influence or interference, and — importantly — include all the provisions necessary to guarantee the independence of anti-corruption institutions,” Zelenskyy said. “This will be a presidential bill, and we will implement it as part of our national transformation strategy.”However, on the morning of July 24, it was revealed that Ukrainian lawmakers had already registered their own alternative bill in Parliament aimed at restoring NABU and SAPO’s independence.