Ukraine's Struggle to Defend Its Western-style Democracy Against Russian Invasion

In a report supported by the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting, the ongoing Associated Press series delves into the challenges to democracy in Europe, focusing on Ukraine. Following comedian-turned-politician Volodymyr Zelenskyy's election as Ukraine's president in 2019, he pledged to combat the deep-rooted corruption that had thrived since the Soviet Union's collapse. The European Union has emphasized the need for Ukraine to address corruption before potentially joining the bloc, acknowledging some progress but urging further action, particularly in high-level cases. Recent years have seen the removal of key officials, including ministers and the arrest of the Supreme Court's head for alleged bribery. Amidst concerns about democracy, some U.S. Republicans have questioned Zelenskyy's stance, especially regarding military support for Ukraine. The importance of media, local government, and civil society organizations in upholding democracy during wartime has been highlighted. Ukraine's press freedom ranking in the 2024 index by Reporters Without Borders improved to 61st out of 180 countries, reflecting ongoing challenges faced by journalists. The societal divide is evident, with pro-democracy activists and military personnel grappling with differing perspectives on service and acceptance post-war. Despite the ongoing conflict and fatigue among Ukrainians, political scientist Olexiy Haran notes Ukraine's resilience in maintaining a level of democracy. Figures like Soboliev, a former lawmaker turned frontline drone unit member, emphasize the continuous struggle for democracy, rooted in past protests against authoritarianism. The narrative underscores the need to establish a new democratic framework in Ukraine post-war, highlighting the complexities and aspirations of the nation's democratic evolution.