Power for the people? Politico on the closed nature of Zelensky’s team

Ukraine’s Western partners are increasingly concerned about the growing centralization of power in the Ukrainian leadership, but are refraining from public statements so as not to give rise to a Russian information attack.

This is stated in a new article by Politico.

Officials have privately expressed concern about the trend toward concentration of power in the hands of President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to three European diplomats based in Kyiv. At the same time, they have avoided public comment so as not to reinforce Moscow’s narrative of “internal instability” in Ukraine.

The article states that during a recent meeting with the Servant of the People faction, President Zelensky expressed disappointment with the way Ukrainian politicians, journalists, and civil society representatives influence the country’s image on the international stage. According to Politico, he effectively placed responsibility on these groups for “the insufficiently holistic image of Ukraine” in the eyes of the West.

The president, according to sources, spoke sharply, emphasizing that domestic criticism — especially public criticism — is detrimental to the concentration of international partners’ attention on the key issue: supporting Ukraine in the war.

Also, according to the publication, Zelensky confirmed his desire to participate in the next elections, regardless of when they are held. This signal, as Politico writes, caused concern not only among the opposition, but also among part of the current parliamentary majority.

The article emphasizes that in political circles there is increasing criticism of the president’s management style – in particular, his tendency to make decisions within a narrow circle of close associates, disregard for the opinion of parliament, and difficulties in interacting with anti-corruption structures.

Journalists also note the growing influence of the president’s entourage. Those who are willing to publicly or internally question the leadership’s actions or demonstrate political autonomy are gradually being pushed out of power processes. Instead, key roles are being given to individuals who adhere to a loyal line.

Zelensky’s opponents point to his “intolerance of democratic constraints,” his willingness to bypass institutions, and his vulnerability to criticism. At the same time, his supporters emphasize that the current conditions of war require a tough, centralized approach to governance.

Let us remind you that citizens express the highest level of distrust among all media outlets in Ukraine towards the “United News” telethon — 39% of respondents.

As reported, the Donald Trump administration plans to reconsider the tone of official criticism of states accused of systemic human rights violations . Among them is Russia, which traditionally appears in the US State Department’s reports as one of the countries with the worst practices.

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