Trust in Zelensky rises to 68% amid strained U.S.-Ukraine relations

This is according to a survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), Ukrinform reports.

“As of the first half of February 2025, before the deterioration of relations between Ukraine and the United States, 57% of Ukrainians trusted President Volodymyr Zelensky, while 37% did not. The balance of trust and distrust was +20%. Then, between February 14 and March 4, 2025, the level of trust increased to 67%, and the share of those who distrusted him decreased to 29%. Accordingly, the balance of trust and distrust has improved to +38%,” the KIIS report says.

Sociologists note that the situation with trust in the President is quite similar in all regions of Ukraine.

“Trust in the President is slightly lower in the east of Ukraine, but even in this region, the majority trust Zelensky – 60% trust and 36% do not trust. In other regions (west, center, south), 66-69% trust and 28-30% distrust him,” the poll says.

KIIS Executive Director Anton Hrushetsky notes that at least for now, there is a process of social unity amid new challenges facing Ukraine.

“The growth of trust in the President over the past period (while from the beginning of the full-scale invasion until December 2024 it was mostly steadily declining) indicates that we are now seeing a “rally around the flag”. The further dynamics will depend on whether the atmosphere will be emotionally charged with increased risks, or whether there will be a cooling down and a more constructive conversation (with, of course, support for the defense efforts of Ukrainians),” Hrushetsky said.

As reported by Ukrinform, on February 28, after tough statements in the Oval Office, President Volodymyr Zelensky left the White House early with a government delegation. The “agreement on the establishment of the rules and conditions of the investment fund for the reconstruction of Ukraine” was not signed.

On March 4, Zelensky said that his meeting with US President Donald Trump on February 28 “did not go as planned.” However, he noted that Ukraine was ready to sit down at the negotiating table as soon as possible and could sign a minerals and security agreement at any time.

Photo: OP