New Delhi, July 23 -- Thousands of people gathered in Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine on Tuesday to urge the president to veto a controversial bill that threatens anti-corruption infrastructure. It marked the first major rally against the government in more than three years of war.

Ukraine 's parliament passed legislation that will tighten oversight of two key anti-corruption agencies, which critics say could significantly weaken their independence and give President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's circle greater sway over investigations. Zelenskyy signed the bill into law, according to the parliament's website late Tuesday.

Fighting entrenched corruption is crucial for Ukraine's bid to join the European Union and maintain access to billions...