Zelenskyy’s Tightening Grip and the Erosion of Democracy

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, once celebrated as a symbol of resistance, is now facing growing discontent as his administration tightens its grip on power. As Ukrainian forces continue to lose ground in the southeastern Donbas region, the country is grappling with more than just territorial losses—it’s contending with the erosion of its democratic principles.

Zelenskyy’s rise to power was marked by promises of reform and transparency, but as the war drags on, those promises have begun to ring hollow. The public, weary of daily blackouts, relentless mobilization efforts, and a government plagued by corruption, is losing faith in a leader who increasingly resembles a dictator more than a democrat. Recent polling reflects this disillusionment, with Zelenskyy’s approval rating plummeting from 69 percent in January to a mere 45 percent in August.

The signs of a deeper crisis within Ukraine’s leadership are becoming harder to ignore. Earlier this month, a wave of resignations swept through the cabinet, with a deputy prime minister and six ministers stepping down. Rather than a sign of accountability, the swift acceptance of these resignations by the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament dominated by Zelenskyy’s Servant of the People party, suggests a consolidation of power that should alarm anyone who values democratic governance.

Ukraine’s conflict with Russian has undoubtedly placed immense pressure on its government, but the response cannot be to stifle dissent and tighten control. True support for Ukraine, both domestically and internationally, hinges on the preservation of democratic values, even in times of crisis. Zelenskyy must remember that his legitimacy comes from the very democracy that he seems increasingly willing to undermine in his bid to retain power.

As Ukraine faces a precarious future, the path forward must involve more than just military strategy; it requires a recommitment to the democratic ideals that Ukraine claims to defend. Otherwise, the country risks falling into tyranny.