The relations between the EU and Ukraine have reached a stalemate following the 2012 parliamentary elections due to issues like the selective prosecution of political opponents and increasing authoritarianism in Ukraine. The EU must find creative solutions to move beyond this impasse, focusing on defining conditionality in key areas and engaging with the deteriorating democratic landscape. The opposition is fragmented and financially dependent on oligarchs, leaving the authorities in a position to manipulate the political system further and consolidate power.