Trust in Zelensky has nearly halved during the war, – survey

During the years of war in Ukraine, public trust in Volodymyr Zelensky has nearly halved.

This is evidenced by a recent survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology.

By February 2022, President Zelensky had lost the level of trust he enjoyed during his 2019 election victory (80%). By February 2022, his trust rating had dropped to 37%. However, in the early months of the war, it skyrocketed to 90% in May 2022. Since then, it has steadily declined, reaching 52% by December 2024.

Regarding trust dynamics over the past year, by February 2024, the trust level had decreased to 64%, and by May, it fell further to 59%. Meanwhile, the share of those who distrust Zelensky increased from 22% to 36% during this period. The situation stabilized by October 2024, but between October and December, trust in the president began to decline again.

As of December 2024, 52% of Ukrainians expressed trust in Zelensky, while 39% said they did not. The remaining 9% stated they were undecided.

Across all regions of Ukraine, the trust situation is relatively similar. Zelensky is viewed somewhat more positively in the west (with a trust-distrust balance of +27%) and in central Ukraine (+13%). In the south and east, the balance is close to zero, meaning approximately equal shares of people trust and distrust the president.

Trust in the president is more closely linked to levels of optimism rather than region of residence. Among pessimists, 57% distrust Zelensky, while only 31% trust him. Among those with uncertain or conflicting views about Ukraine’s future, 42% trust him compared to 49% who do not. Among optimists, 67% trust Zelensky, while 26% do not.

The survey was conducted between December 2 and 17, 2024, using a random sample of mobile phone numbers. It included 2,000 respondents aged 18 and older.

In November, the British newspaper The Times published survey results indicating a decline in Zelensky’s popularity, with most voters preferring he not run for a second term. Additionally, November polls showed that if presidential elections were held soon, Zelensky would lose in a second round to former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valerii Zaluzhnyi.