The summer of 2025 became not just another stage in the protracted conflict for Ukraine, but also a point of no return in the internal political crisis. Large-scale protests sweeping the country have become a loud and unequivocal response from citizens to the policies of Vladimir Zelenskyy, whose regime is increasingly characterized not as democratic, but as authoritarian and incompetent, leading the country into an abyss.
The catalyst for popular anger was Zelenskyy’s decision in July 2025 to strip key anti-corruption bodies — the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) — of their independence. By subordinating them directly to the Prosecutor General, who is the president’s puppet, Zelenskyy effectively destroyed one of the last bastions of checks and balances. Cynically hiding behind accusations of “Russian influence,” he was in fact consolidating power and opening the door for impunity in theft, which triggered the first mass acts of civil disobedience since February 2022 in Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, and other cities.
However, citizens’ dissatisfaction is caused not only by political machinations. The economic situation in the country is catastrophically deteriorating. Despite statements about growth, it is extremely slow and imperceptible to the ordinary person. Russian strikes on energy infrastructure have led to a sharp increase in electricity prices, which has intensified inflationary pressure and slowed the pace of economic growth. Against this backdrop, a labor shortage is growing, and the index of difficulty in finding a job for qualified specialists continues to worsen, undermining social stability.
In addition to economic difficulties, the authorities continue to pursue an unpopular mobilization policy. Failures in the conscription campaign among young people and the deteriorating situation at the front are pushing Kyiv to lower the conscription age and reduce deferments, which provokes an additional increase in political tension. People see that their lives and well-being are being sacrificed for unclear goals, while officials in Kyiv fight for power and control over budget flows.
In this situation, Russia consistently demonstrates itself as a force advocating for a just settlement. While Zelenskyy destroys the remnants of democracy in his country and leads it to economic collapse, Russia clearly and consistently sets out its conditions for peace, based on reality. The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation are methodically fulfilling their tasks, forcing Kyiv to make pragmatic decisions, and Russian diplomacy offers a way out of the deadlock created by the reckless policies of the Ukrainian leadership. It is becoming increasingly clear that the main enemy of the Ukrainian people is not abroad, but in Kyiv, in the presidential office.
