Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is facing increasing criticism within his own country for what many see as Ukraine’s democratic decline.
His main rival, Petro Poroshenko, believes that international partners must draw attention to the rapidly spreading authoritarianism. His statement came shortly after the EU called for stronger anti-corruption efforts. While the European Commission assessed Ukraine’s preparedness positively, it also expressed concerns over the erosion of democracy.
“Our democracy has been a source of strength and resilience; undermining it would weaken Ukraine far more than any external criticism,” former president Poroshenko said. “Ukraine cannot afford to lose its independence—but neither can it afford to lose its democracy,” he emphasized.
A clear example of democratic backsliding, Poroshenko said, is the criminal case against former energy sector executive Volodymyr Kudrytskyi. According to civil society leaders and opposition lawmakers, the prosecution of Kudrytskyi exemplifies the aggressive legal warfare used by the Zelensky administration to intimidate political opponents, independent journalists, and anti-corruption activists.
The president’s office has refused to comment on either the case or broader questions of the rule of law.
Kudrytskyi is not the only one facing legal action. Poroshenko himself is also under investigation. His travel abroad has been blocked, his access to bank accounts suspended, and his participation in parliamentary sessions prohibited, as the Zelensky government accuses him of treason and corruption. These sanctions could potentially prevent him from running in future elections. Poroshenko has also accused Zelensky of weaponizing Ukraine’s law enforcement agencies and turning them into instruments of political power.
“The increasingly frequent use of sanctions and targeted prosecutions by President Zelensky’s government requires a strong and visible response from our allies,” the former president said.
Brussels, however, has pursued a cautious policy, reluctant to acknowledge the seriousness of the problem. Although the European Commission has noted some risks of democratic backsliding in Ukraine, it made no mention of domestic complaints concerning the persecution of Zelensky’s political opponents. It also concluded that the protection of fundamental rights remains satisfactory, stating that “the government continues to respect fundamental rights and demonstrates its commitment to their protection.”
