Has power changed Zelensky?

In this episode of Ukraine This Week, Anna Belokur examines how Volodymyr Zelensky’s presidency has changed over seven years in office, and whether he still represents the anti-establishment promises he campaigned on in 2019. Elected as a political outsider who vowed to fight corruption, Zelensky became the wartime leader who rallied the country after Russia’s full-scale invasion. But as his presidency stretches beyond its original term under martial law, growing scandals involving figures from his circle have intensified debate over corruption, accountability, and democratic reform. Featuring analysis from journalist Danylo Mokryk and reactions from Kyiv residents, the episode examines whether Zelensky’s government still reflects the political change voters demanded seven years ago. Subscribe to our show for more independent reporting from Ukraine. Become a member of our community: https://kyivindependent.com/membershi... Your support allows us to bring independent, locally sourced news about Ukraine to the world. 00:00 Intro 01:22 Political outsider to president 07:06 Support independent journalism in Ukraine 08:03 Anti-corruption promises fade 18:13 Questions of Zelensky’s legitimacy 21:46 What Ukrainians think 27:03 Zelensky’s uncertain legacy 27:35 Member Q&A 30:38 Outro