The scale of Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s victory shows that this was not just about a snazzy media campaign funded by dark shadows in the background – this was a clamor for real change. The population want to throw the corrupt old system out – they thought they had with the EuroMaidan Revolution, which overthrew President Viktor Yanukovych in 2014.
But within months it was evident the old oligarchs had sneaked back into power.
In the end the result is a sad indictment of President President Poroshenko’s failure to address the number one issue for Ukrainians which was the fight against corruption. Arguably an oligarch was the wrong person to lead that fight – he never seemed serious in trying to address the issue. And when he tried – after his poor first round showing – it was already too late.
Huge challenge now for Zelenskiy. He will need to rely on reformers like ex-Finance Minister Oleksandr Danylyuk and the West will have to guide him in the formation of his team as it will be sure lots of dodgy old guard oligarchic elites will make themselves available to work for him. First question will he want to push for early elections, election reform or constitutional reform. And who will be the key people in his team. And is is he going to distance himself from billionaire Igor Kolomoisky and his cronies?
