Part 6/10:
The escalation of conflict with Russia offered Zelenskyy a channel to consolidate power through the imposition of martial law on February 24, 2022. The legal restrictions allowed for no elections, prompting accusations that he was behaving in a dictatorial manner. Critics noted historical precedents, stating that other democratic nations continued to hold elections during wartime.
In July 2023, observers noted a growing discontent among Ukrainians regarding the perceived lack of democratic processes amid heightened political tensions. Commentators pointed out that while the necessity of martial law was understandable in a time of war, the lack of democratic resilience raised troubling questions regarding Zelenskyy's administration and governance style.