PERSPECTIVE DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS A GLIMMER OF HOPE Youth in Ukraine before the War Félix Krawatzek July 2022 The election of Volodymyr ­Zelenskyy in 2019 as president of Ukraine was a particularly important watershed moment in Ukrainian politics for young people. His electoral support was highest in the 18 to 29 age group and Zelenskyy symboli­sed a new beginning after the disappointing political develop­ments of the previous decades. Young Ukrainians express ­a strong sense of national iden­tity referring to their country’s departure from a Soviet men­tality, a distinct linguistic iden­tity and an explicit rejection of Russian influence. Since February 2022, notably, the younger generation has been involved in various su­pport activities. Young people are participating as soldiers and are organising support behind the frontline.