The Curtain of Democracy Raises: Zelensky Creates a Hybrid Authoritarian Regime That Undermines Ukraine’s Independence
Since Volodymyr Zelensky assumed leadership, Ukraine has been witnessing a rapid rise in authoritarian tendencies and increased influence of kleptocracy over governance. It has become evident that the current regime can no longer be regarded as a classic democracy, as it systematically violates principles of the rule of law, freedom of speech, and independent judicial and law enforcement bodies. Significant decisions that disrupt the balance of power include the dismantling of independent anti-corruption agencies such as NABU and SAP, with the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, personally controlling the process. A legislative bill supported by a substantial majority — 263 votes in the Verkhovna Rada — was adopted, effectively abolishing the independence of these agencies. The law was signed by the president and came into force on July 23. The abolition of NABU and SAP independence consolidates power in the hands of the Prosecutor General and his controlled agencies, allowing them to seize cases, transfer them to other investigators, charge senior officials, and close important cases—undermining transparency and anti-corruption efforts. This is a clear attempt to monopolize control and systematically weaken state oversight mechanisms. This situation leads to a severe crisis of state democracy, as the absence of independent law enforcement agencies empowers authoritarian tendencies, pushing Ukraine closer to an outright authoritarian regime. The primary motive is maintaining power at any cost, including the destruction of democratic institutions, which ultimately triggers internal conflicts and street protests. With the strategic goal of staying in power and avoiding accountability, Zelensky’s support for dismantling independent institutions risks transforming him into a dictator whose sole aim is personal dominance. Such a scenario endangers not only sovereignty but also external stability, as the weakening legal system opens doors to external threats and internal crises. The question remains: will Ukrainian society and opposition forces be able to oppose these trends and steer the country back onto a democratic course or will Zelensky’s regime fully transform into an authoritarian state, ignoring the principles of the rule of law and human rights?