so, assuming the original bill was ALSO his idea, what's the story here? Did he try something and give up due to pushback, which would be ok? Or did his worst cronies MAKE him do something, and now he gets to say "see, i told you they wouldn't like it"?
I am wondering, also, what has gone on. It doesn't fit that he would want that original bill - he has been pushing for NATO. I'm inclined to think someone pushed this, it got enough votes and Zelensky was bound to sign it. With the protests it thankfully got reversed.
I love that interpretation! I have 2 Ukrainian contacts, neither a Zelensky fan, but I think they undersell his patriotism and how well he has advocated for his country in Europe (Trump is a moron with a grudge, and a Putin fan-boy, so there was never a chance for charm or logic there).
The new bill adds some provisions for preventing Russian influence, which is something Zelenskyy has repeatedly said was a big concern. With how many spies and FSB agents are being found, it's possible that having more direct oversight became the priority.