Survey shows Ukrainian trust in Zelensky at wartime low

Nevin Al Sukari - Sana'a - Ukrainians’ trust in President Volodymyr Zelensky has fallen below 60 per cent for the first time since Russia’s February 2022 invasion, according to a leading poll published today. — AFP pic

KYIV, June 7 — Ukrainians’ trust in President Volodymyr Zelensky has fallen below 60 per cent for the first time since Russia’s February 2022 invasion, according to a leading poll published today.

Zelensky has faced many challenges in the past year, including a failed summer counteroffensive, a divisive debate on mobilisation and high-profile corruption scandals involving senior officials.

Public trust in the 46-year-old zoomed to 90 per cent in May 2022 but by May 2024 it had plunged to 59 per cent, the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) reported.

“We would like to point out that Volodymyr Zelensky still retains legitimacy in the eyes of Ukrainian society and the majority of Ukrainians continue to trust him,” the pollster said.

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“However, the downward trend in trust continues and, as can be seen from the results, the main reasons for criticism from ordinary Ukrainians are the not always successful staffing policy and issues of justice (in particular, in the form of fighting corruption and the fair burden of war for all),” KIIS said.Zelensky’s first presidential term, which began in 2019, expired last month but he has remained in post under martial law.

The Ukrainian leader said last year he was “ready” to hold elections if necessary.

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But the authorities have decided not to hold elections, arguing that some 20 per cent of the country is under the control of Russian forces and millions of Ukrainians are living abroad. — AFP