UKRAINIAN activists called for more protests against a law they say weakens the country’s anti-corruption bodies.

Thousands of people gathered across Ukraine on Tuesday evening to urge President Volodymyr Zelensky to veto a controversial Bill passed by Ukraine’s parliament earlier that day.

After Mr Zelensky approved the new law, activists called on social media for another demonstration in the centre of Kiev set for Wednesday.

The legislation tightens government oversight of two key anti-corruption agencies. Critics say the step could significantly weaken the independence of those agencies and grant Mr Zelensky’s circle greater influence over investigations.

Fighting entrenched corruption is crucial for Ukraine’s aspirations to join the EU and maintain access to billions of dollars in Western aid in its fight against Russia’s three-year invasion.

Mr Zelensky said the measure clears out “Russian influence” from the fight against corruption and ensures punishment for those found guilty of it, after what he said were lengthy delays in criminal proceedings involving huge amounts of money.

“This is what Ukraine really needs,” Mr Zelensky said in a Telegram post today.

He didn’t provide evidence of what he said was Russian interference.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova mocked Mr Zelensky’s claim of Russian infiltration into the anti-corruption agency, noting sarcastically that “they might just as well pull a couple of bears out of the corner.”

The changes would grant the prosecutor general new authority over investigations and cases handled by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office.

The Ukrainian branch of Transparency International accused authorities of “dismantling” the country’s anti-corruption architecture.

Some protesters accused Ukraine’s leadership of prioritising loyalty and personal connections over the fight against corruption.

“Those who swore to protect the laws and the constitution have instead chosen to shield their inner circle, even at the expense of Ukrainian democracy,” said veteran Oleh Symoroz.