Espreso correspondent Kateryna Halko reports that around a hundred demonstrators gathered near the security checkpoint of Parliament, urging lawmakers to pass bill No. 13533, which would restore the independence of NABU and SAPO. Protesters chanted “Vote!” and “Independence for NABU and SAPO.”They are demanding that Parliament correct what they view as a serious misstep by passing the previous bill, seen as limiting the independence of the anti-corruption bodies. Among the crowd were Ukrainian MPs Volodymyr Viatrovych and Mykola Kniazhytskyi.Viatrovych has commented that the wave of protests across Ukraine shows people care about what’s happening in the country and that the movement affects how Ukraine is perceived internationally. Kniazhytskyi echoed that view, emphasizing that these protests send a strong signal to Western allies."If we don’t pass this bill, it’s clear we’ll face problems with international funding and European integration — and, therefore, with our national security. In order to survive, we must pass this legislation. So we will vote for it," he said.BackgroundOn July 22, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed into law a bill previously passed by Parliament that curtails the powers of NABU and SAPO, effectively placing them under the authority of the Prosecutor General. The legislative process was marked by confusion: the presidential signature appeared, disappeared, and then reappeared on the official record of the bill, No. 12414.Following the vote, thousands of Ukrainians staged peaceful demonstrations in major cities, demanding that Zelenskyy veto the law, which they say seriously undermines Ukraine’s anti-corruption infrastructure.The European Union also raised alarm. EU spokesperson Guillaume Mercier called the law a setback, stressing that NABU and SAPO are vital to anti-corruption reforms and must operate independently to maintain public trust and move Ukraine closer to EU membership.European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen personally urged Zelenskyy to provide explanations, stating that compromising on the rule of law is unacceptable, especially given Ukraine’s EU candidacy. Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos called the move a “serious step backward” and warned it could harm Ukraine’s accession prospects. French and German officials also voiced concern, urging Kyiv to revise the law and preserve institutional independence.On July 24, Ukrainian lawmakers registered a new bill aimed at restoring the autonomy of NABU and SAPO. That same day, President Zelenskyy approved the text of a separate draft law, which he submitted to Parliament, pledging to reinforce law enforcement and guarantee the agencies’ independence. Both NABU and SAPO confirmed they had participated in crafting the bill, which restores their procedural powers and legal protections.The bill has already received support from Parliament’s anti-corruption and law enforcement committees.The Verkhovna Rada is expected to vote on the president’s proposed legislation on July 31.