Specifics of ukrainians' political participation under conditions of uncertainty

Abstract

The article provides an analysis of the specific features of Ukrainians' political participation under conditions of uncertainty caused by martial law, restrictions on holding elections, and the impossibility of implementing traditional conventional forms of citizens' influence on the authorities. Theoretical approaches to understanding political participation are systematized, and the evolution of its interpretation is traced — from the classical definition through its perception as an instrument of civic activity to its understanding as a broad spectrum of practices transformed under the influence of digitalization. A generalized classification of forms of political participation is presented across three groups: conventional (elections, petitions, party membership, public hearings), non-conventional or protest forms (strikes, rallies, civil disobedience, radical forms), and digital forms (electronic voting, e-petitions, online discussions). The dynamics of the protest potential of Ukrainian society from the Revolution of Dignity in 2013–2014 to the full-scale invasion are analyzed, revealing the non-linear nature of this dynamic: a phase of latent accumulation of critical potential in 2022–2023 and a phase of its realization in specific protest actions in 2025–2026 (against draft law No. 12414 concerning anti-corruption bodies and in support of the former Minister of Defense). It is established that the common trigger for both actions was not the issue of the war or territorial concessions, but rejection of the lack of transparency and insufficient accountability of the authorities. The features of contemporary protest mobilization are identified: the use of social networks, symbolic visual communication (protest placards), and the leading role of youth and the veteran community. It is concluded that restrictions on conventional forms of participation under martial law led to a growing role of non-conventional forms integrated with digital mobilization channels, with protest beginning to function as a mechanism of control over the authorities in the absence of elections.