European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen urged the Ukrainian president to preserve the independence of anti-corruption organizations, after a row last week over Kyiv's move to curb their powers.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he has submitted a draft law to reinstate the freedom of two anti-corruption bodies in Ukraine - days after nationwide protests broke out over changes curbing their independence.

Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to sign a bill targeting the independence of anti-corruption agencies followed mounting investigations that involved high-ranking officials and those close to the president.