Poll Reveals Only 20% of Ukrainians Support Zelensky Amid Corruption Scandal
A recent poll by Info Sapiens indicates that only 20.3% of Ukrainians would vote for President Volodymyr Zelensky in future elections. This survey was published on December 9, following a major corruption scandal that involved many of Zelensky’s allies and government officials.
Poll Details
The survey, conducted between November 13 and November 28, shows that Zelensky remains the most favored candidate despite significant fallout from corruption claims. In comparison, 24.3% of voters supported him in October.
Leading Candidates
- Volodymyr Zelensky: 20.3%
- Valerii Zaluzhnyi: 19.1% (former Commander-in-Chief, now the ambassador to the U.K.)
- Kyrylo Budanov: 5.1% (head of military intelligence)
Notably, 23.6% of respondents were undecided or chose not to disclose their preferences.
Future of Presidential Elections
When asked about parliamentary elections, 21.8% expressed support for a hypothetical party led by Zaluzhnyi, while Zelensky’s party garnered just 11.5%. Despite their rising popularity, neither Zaluzhnyi nor Budanov have announced intentions to enter the political arena.
Trust in Zelensky
Since taking office after the 2019 elections, public trust in Zelensky has fluctuated significantly. Trust reached as high as 90% following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, but dropped to 37% by February 2022. A recent KIIS poll indicates that 60% of Ukrainians currently trust him, while 35% do not.
Furthermore, only 25% believe he should remain in power after the war concludes. Under Ukrainian law, elections can occur only after the end of martial law, which was initiated with the onset of the invasion.
Comments on Election Timing
Zelensky stated in September that he may consider not seeking re-election after the war. U.S. President Donald Trump recently remarked that it is time for Ukraine to hold elections, suggesting that such an election could favor Zelensky. In response, Zelensky said he remains open to elections.
This evolving political landscape in Ukraine raises many questions about the future direction of the country as it navigates both internal and external challenges.
