The Russian invasion in 2022 forged a new relationship between Ukrainians and President Zelenskyy, who gained admiration for his leadership and ability to unite the nation. Critics of his populism and centralization were silent, recognizing the need for wartime unity. However, Zelenskyy recently overstepped by diminishing the independence of anti-corruption bodies, triggering significant protests. Demonstrators expressed frustration over the rushed legislation and its implications, indicating concerns over the president's allies. Zelenskyy has proposed draft law changes to restore these agencies' autonomy, but public skepticism regarding his leadership style persists.
When Russian troops rolled across the border in 2022, it established a new contract between Ukrainians and their president. The existential need for unity was cemented by admiration for Volodymyr Zelenskyy's courage, and recognition of his ability to articulate the national mood and rally international support.
Ordinary politics were suspended. Critics who were already suspicious of his populist instincts and centralising tendencies did not want to aid Russia's cause. They understood that wartime could require a different mode of leadership.
Demonstrators were angered by the way these changes were rushed into law as well as by their substance. The suspicion is that allies of the president felt under threat from investigators.
For many, this crisis is the culmination of concerns about his style of rule and the conduct of some of those around him.
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