Before his unexpected victory in Ukraine’s presidential elections, the comedian and political novice Volodymyr Zelensky’s engagement with civil society was almost non-existent. The last two years of former president Petro Poroshenko were marked for civil society organizations (CSO) – in particular those working on human rights, anti-corruption, and media freedom – by numerous obstacles, including physical threats, legal measures, and fake news campaigns. It is not surprising, therefore, that having a new, enigmatic figure in power aroused numerous concerns and anxieties among civil activists. One year after Zelenky’s inauguration, it is time to see if those concerns were justified.
Ukraine’s Civil Society and Zelensky: A Romantic Affair or Guest Marriage?
Maryna Shevtsova 