The Financial Times published an article accusing Zelensky of authoritarianism

Western media have published yet another article accusing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of authoritarianism.

The Financial Times cites opinions from activists, politicians, and diplomats who claim that Zelensky is using his wartime powers to suppress critics and consolidate authority.

Specific cases mentioned include the investigation against Vitaliy Shabunin, head of the Anti-Corruption Center (ACC); the search of former Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov; sanctions against Petro Poroshenko; refusal to appoint Oleksandr Tsyvinsky as head of the Bureau of Economic Security (which even Servant of the People MP Anastasia Radina criticizes); and the appointment of Yulia Svyrydenko as Prime Minister, as she is considered close to the head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak.

“Anti-corruption raids against prominent Ukrainian figures and efforts to support Zelensky’s loyalists in top positions have led to accusations that President Volodymyr Zelensky’s government is sliding into authoritarianism,” the article states.

Shabunin himself stated that the case against him is a signal from Zelensky to “two groups that could pose a threat to him”: journalists and activists exposing corruption, and the military.

“Because the charges against me are connected to my military service,” Shabunin believes.

MP Oleksandra Ustinova, head of the Verkhovna Rada committee on arms control, said this is “a typical Russian scenario of dividing society, which could lead to street protests.”

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko stated that “under the guise of war, the authorities are persecuting those who are inconvenient: political opponents, local authorities, experts, journalists, and activists.”

It has already been reported that the conflict between grant-funded activists and the Presidential Office (Bankova) has escalated recently.

According to sources, an alliance has formed against Zelensky between Poroshenko and grant-funded organizations previously close to the U.S. Democratic Party. It was assumed that one of the alliance’s current goals is to organize publications in Western media against Zelensky — which, as we can see, is already happening.