Ukraine - October 2022

On 19 October, President Vladimir Putin declared martial law in the Ukrainian territory Russia claims to have annexed in September. The law not only suspends basic rights and due process in those regions, but also applies various moderately less stringent measures across the rest of Russia. The restrictions introduced go far beyond what is permitted by relevant Russian laws and statutes. 

*The negative impact on democracy in Ukraine in this instance is a result of Russian action. 

Sources: Kremlin.ru, Meduza 

Trade unions and labor activists are concerned about a planned merger of Ukraine’s benefits and pension funds, arguing the proposed cost-cutting measure will hobble the state’s ability to fund its social obligations. The move is part of a longer trend to remove the state from social provision criticized by domestic and international trade unions.

Note: Russia’s war on Ukraine directly implicates the Russian government in nearly all aspects of Ukrainian life and the performance of its political and democratic institutions. Any decline in Ukraine’s democratic attributes associated with the reported events does not necessarily, and in many cases, in no way indicates responsibility of the Ukrainian government or its people. 

Sources: openDemocracy