Ukraine: Presidential inauguration in Kyiv May 20

Event

Increased security measures and associated transportation disruptions are expected in the capital Kyiv amid the inauguration of President-Elect Volodymr Zelenskiy on Monday, May 20. The swearing-in ceremony will take place at the Verkhovna Rada (parliament) building beginning at 10:00 (local time).

Road closures, checkpoints, and a visible security presence are to be anticipated in the city. Increased security measures and disruptions are also possible at Kyiv International Airport (IEV) and Boryspil International Airport (KBP), particularly in the morning as world leaders arrive ahead of the ceremonies and in the evening as they leave.

Context

Zelenskiy secured 73 percent of the vote in the April 21 runoff vote, with incumbent President Petro Poroshenko receiving less than 25 percent. According to international observers, the election was broadly free and competitive. Zelenskiy, a comedian and actor, is a political newcomer and had lead in opinion polls leading up to the vote. Many saw Poroshenko's poor electoral performance as a rejection of his economic policies and his implication in graft allegations.

Advice

Individuals in Ukraine, particularly in Kyiv, are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate transportation and commercial disruptions during the inauguration, avoid all protests and political rallies due to the risk of violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.