The Kyiv Institute of Sociology (KIIS) released a poll on October 14 that showed President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to maintain the trust of nearly six in ten Ukrainians. The survey found that 59 percent of respondents hold “trust” in Zelensky, while 37 percent distrust the president. These numbers have remained stable in recent months, with only a slight decrease from a high of 64 percent in February. Despite a decline from his record-high of 90 percent trust in May 2022, Zelensky still commands a level of trust not often seen in Western democracies. The president also maintains majority trust in every region of Ukraine, including a high of 62 percent in the central regions.
The poll results also show a contrast with the level of support for Zelensky in the past year, with a decrease of 18 percentage points since October 2023 when he received 76 percent approval. In war-torn eastern regions of Ukraine, Zelensky still maintains the trust of 51 percent of respondents, although distrust levels are among the highest in the country at 45 percent. Despite the steady decline in trust since the start of the war, Zelensky’s approval numbers remain high compared to average approval ratings of U.S. presidents, with only Barack Obama receiving an average approval rating of more than 50% from 1938-2023.
The KIIS poll was conducted from September 20 to October 3, 2024, and involved 2,004 respondents from all regions of Ukraine. The findings indicate that Zelensky’s support remains strong, even in the face of ongoing challenges and conflict in the country. The president’s ability to maintain majority trust across various regions and demographics demonstrates his resilience and popularity among Ukrainians. The consistent level of support for Zelensky, despite the fluctuations over time, underscores his strong leadership and connection with the people of Ukraine.
In the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a separate poll suggests that over 80% of young Germans are concerned about the possibility of war in Europe. This represents a significant increase from just 46% in 2019, indicating a growing fear and awareness of the potential for conflict in the region. The heightened tensions and ongoing crisis in Ukraine have had ripple effects across Europe, prompting increased concerns and discussions about the security and stability of the continent.
Overall, the findings from both the KIIS poll in Ukraine and the poll in Germany highlight the widespread impact of the conflict in Ukraine on neighboring countries and the broader European region. The uncertainty and volatility caused by the war have led to increased levels of fear and apprehension among populations, particularly among younger demographics. As President Zelensky continues to navigate the challenges facing Ukraine, his ability to maintain trust and support among Ukrainians remains a key factor in the country’s resilience and ability to confront external threats and internal divisions.
