Rule of Law Reform after Zelenskyi's First Year: a Return to Business as Usual in Ukraine

Abstract

In 2019, Volodymyr Zelenskyi won a strong mandate to fundamentally change Ukraine and make it less corrupt. One year into his presidency, however, there have been no significant breakthroughs. Powerful vested interests and a lack of strategic vision have fragmented Zelenskyi’s leadership. Progress in rule of law reform has again been held up by Ukraine’s old system heavily invested in preserving the status quo. Western pressure and financial conditionality are now the key remaining incentives for reform.