Ukraine’s democratic dilemma: Balancing accountability with wartime unity
The President of PEN Ukraine argues that the nation faces a critical choice between centralising power and risking internal instability, a debate unfolding against a backdrop of escalating missile strikes on Kyiv.
Dr Volodymyr Yermolenko, President of PEN Ukraine, has described the country as a "genuine" but "fragile" democracy currently confronting serious threats. In an interview with France 24, the Ukrainian philosopher, journalist, and author outlined the complex governance challenges facing Kyiv as it continues to fight for its sovereignty.
The central issue, according to Yermolenko, is the timing and conduct of elections during wartime. He noted that suspending the electoral process carries significant risks, as political power becomes increasingly centralised around President Volodymyr Zelensky. This concentration of authority, while potentially streamlining decision-making, raises questions about long-term democratic accountability.
Conversely, Yermolenko warned that holding elections while cities remain under attack could unleash precisely the political turmoil Ukraine can least afford. He argued that internal political conflict risks weakening the national resistance to Russia, suggesting that the current security environment makes a stable political consensus essential for survival.
The debate occurs against a backdrop of intensifying hostilities. On 20 August 2026, Ukrainian authorities confirmed that overnight ballistic missile attacks killed at least 12 people and wounded dozens in Kyiv and the surrounding region. The strikes damaged residential areas, warehouses, a medical facility, and an educational institution, while also severing power to parts of the capital.
Yermolenko’s assessment highlights a broader strategic dilemma: how a nation can preserve democratic institutions without allowing internal divisions to erode its capacity for defence. He posits that the challenge is not simply a binary choice between democracy and wartime unity, but rather a matter of maintaining accountability without compromising the structural integrity of the state.
Both Russia and Ukraine have escalated long-range attacks in recent months, further complicating the political landscape. As infrastructure damage and civilian casualties mount, the pressure on Kyiv’s leadership to manage domestic stability while projecting strength abroad continues to grow.
