Another Maidan is possible in Ukraine – Politico

Politico’s opinion editor, Jamie Dettmer writes about the challenges that President Zelenskyy may face in the future.

Author of the article writes that he spoke with Inna Sovsun, an opposition lawmaker for Ukraine's liberal pro-European Holos party, who believes that there could be another Maidan revolution, as she had participated in the 2004 and 2014 revolutions. The 2014 Maidan Revolution had unforeseen consequences that led Ukraine to where it is today, defending itself against a Russian invasion. The war is forging a strong sense of nationhood and raising high expectations, which will be challenging to meet.

A former Ukrainian cabinet minister also told Dettmer that another Maidan could occur due to people's impatience for change and reform completion. The war has raised hopes, and the public wants money, justice, and speedy reform. The ex-minister states that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will have a tough time navigating the postwar political landscape.

Despite being praised as a symbol of Ukrainian resistance and democracy, the article emphasizes that Zelenskyy has been accused of having autocratic tendencies, including flouting laws and issuing decrees to sanction political opponents. While his leadership and communication skills are lauded at home and abroad, and his approval rating is now very high, some argue that this is due to an overall rally-round-the-flag sentiment, and it will drop once the existential threat from Russia diminishes. Zelenskyy's popularity has also fluctuated due to failed anti-corruption efforts and allegations of offshore financial activity. 

According to the publication, criticism of Zelenskyy's prewar record will come after the war, but there are already questions about why he ignored intelligence warnings of a Russian invasion and failed to prepare Ukraine earlier. He faced public criticism in August for downplaying the warnings, citing the risk of panic and economic collapse. Opponents and civil society leaders anticipate scrutiny of his governance during the war, which they say mirrors his pre-invasion approach of trying to establish a dominant one-party "managed democracy" with his close circle of old friends and business partners.

“Of course, we need to support the government, and we need to remain united,” said Mykola Knyazhytsky, an opposition lawmaker. “But I worry about the future of democracy in my country.”

Critics, including Knyazhytsky, express concerns about Zelenskyy's use of wartime authority to increase his power, control the media, sideline parliament, and avoid legislative oversight. Some also worry that Zelenskyy's global popularity is fueling an unhealthy sense of grandiosity, causing him to eschew coalition-building efforts. However, Tymofiy Mylovanov, former minister of economic development, believes that Zelenskyy is merely responding to public opinion and trying to build a nation-state, even if it means bypassing institutions captured by vested interests.

“Fundamentally, Zelenskyy responds to what people want . . . In my view, Ukraine is very lucky to have him. I think previous presidents would have capitulated in the first few weeks of the war and negotiated,” he said.

In January, Zelenskyy promised that Ukraine would not return to its corrupt ways. However, at the time, a corruption scandal had already emerged, which led to the resignation of several senior officials. Zelenskyy's promise has not convinced veteran observers of the country, who are concerned about corruption and his authoritarian style. 

“In their minds, there is going to be a reckoning as soon as the war ends,” the article concludes.