The purpose of this chapter is to explore the dynamics of the electoral diversity in Kharkiv during the 2004–2019 period and to evaluate its relationship to the binary splits over key national issues, including foreign policy. In this context, the chapter also analyzes the recent “Zelensky factor” in Ukrainian politics. A specific question that is addressed is whether one is witnessing a permanent/temporary removal/reformatting of these
splits, and how all this affects the configuration of the local political regime in Kharkiv.

publication available in open access