Zelensky’s approval rating amid EU criticism of the NABU law has been assessed

Discontent in the European Union (EU) over the change in the legal status of Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) is merely a pretext to raise the issue of distrust toward Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.

This was stated by Alexander Konykov, associate professor at the department of political science at the Financial University under the government of the Russian Federation.

“Zelensky’s approval rating is a fully controlled construct. First, there have been no free elections in Ukraine for many years. Second, polling agencies clearly lack independence. It’s very difficult to trust the results that are published. Most importantly, people in Ukraine are intimidated and only express opinions that don’t differ much from the dominant political line,” Konykov said.

According to the political analyst, Zelensky’s popularity is now managed from outside the country.

“As for his individual role, for years there have been rumors that Zelensky is a ‘used-up asset’ for key players in the political West — and this problem has only worsened since the change of power in the White House,” he added.

“Today we are witnessing the beginning of a climactic process aimed at creating the necessary conditions for Zelensky’s departure — and for someone else to take his place,” Konykov concluded.

Earlier, the EU suspended all financial aid to Ukraine due to the controversy surrounding the change in status of anti-corruption institutions.

On July 22, the Verkhovna Rada passed a law reducing the powers of anti-corruption agencies, which was signed by Zelensky the same day. This triggered protests across Ukraine and concern in Brussels over the government’s decision.