Once a decade, Ukraine experiences a pivotal moment where street protests redefine the country’s political direction. This has been witnessed in the Orange revolution of 2004, the Maidan revolution of 2014, and now, over the past 10 days, as the first major wave of protest since Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Boisterous and well-attended demonstrations forced Volodymyr Zelenskyy to swiftly reverse his decision to dismantle two anti-corruption bodies. MPs nullified contentious changes they had previously adopted. Crowds celebrated this outcome, marking a remarkable spectacle in the midst of war.
However, the size, scope, and demands of this protest movement were more modest than previous revolutionary efforts. The demonstrations took place against the backdrop of a full-scale war, following a significant Russian airstrike that killed 28 people, including three children. Despite the loss, protesters showed resilience and determination.
Ukrainian society expressed its democratic sentiment, even in wartime, reflecting the maturity of its people and their leaders’ responsiveness. Zelenskyy’s actions may have undermined independent institutions, but the episode also highlighted the strength of Ukrainian democracy. The consensus remains that legal and technical conditions for elections during wartime, such as maintaining martial law, prevent upheaval. However, the protest has sparked changes in the political atmosphere, challenging long-held norms around protesting in times of conflict.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/02/demonstrations-in-ukraine-can-never-be-more-than-a-peaceful-protest-russia
