Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy retains a 57% public trust rating, contradicting former U.S. President Donald Trump’s baseless assertion of 4% approval during recent geopolitical remarks. Data from the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) reveals Zelenskyy’s consistent majority backing despite wartime challenges:
- May 2022: 90% approval after Russia’s invasion
- December 2023: 77% trust amid battlefield pressures
- February 2025: 57%, reflecting a 5% rebound from late 2024
Trump echoed Kremlin narratives during post-summit comments at Mar-a-Lago, urging Ukraine to hold elections paused under martial law.
If someone wants to replace me right now, then right now it won’t work,Zelenskyy countered, labeling Trump’s claims as rooted in Russian disinformation campaigns.
The Ukrainian leader’s position outpaces Trump’s U.S. polling averages (46.6-48%) and rivals global democratic peers. Analysts note only retired Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi holds comparable influence, though he remains nonpartisan as ambassador to Britain.
With Putin demanding leadership changes pre-peace talks and Trump amplifying election demands, experts warn of alignment between Moscow’s objectives and Washington’s political rhetoric. Zelenskyy has pledged international leader approval surveys to contextualize his standing.
