Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a bill that critics say weakens the independence of the country's anti-corruption bodies, sparking protests and drawing international criticism.

This article has been updated to reflect the fact Zelensky signed the bill into law on the evening of July 22, as shown on the Parliament's website. "Dark times ahead." "Peak of corruption." "Point of no return.

Ukraine has toughened restrictions on two anti-corruption agencies at the centre of the government's reform drive, rolling back their autonomy in favour of tighter executive control.