In a surprising turn of events, a new poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) has revealed that 57% of Ukrainians trust President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, contradicting former U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that Zelenskyy’s approval rating is just 4%. The results, based on a survey conducted between February 4 and 9, show that only 37% of respondents expressed distrust in Ukraine’s leader.
Trump’s Claims and Zelenskyy’s Response
During a recent press conference, Trump suggested that Ukraine should hold elections to determine whether Zelenskyy should remain in power, implying that the Ukrainian leader had lost public support. However, in response to these claims, Zelenskyy dismissed the statement, suggesting Trump is misinformed and possibly influenced by Russian disinformation narratives.
"It seems Trump is living in a bubble of Russian disinformation," Zelenskyy remarked, emphasizing the importance of relying on accurate information rather than political rhetoric.
What the Poll Reveals About Zelenskyy’s Support
The KIIS survey, conducted among 1,000 Ukrainian citizens in government-controlled regions, suggests that public confidence in Zelenskyy remains strong. The study also highlights that despite war fatigue and economic struggles, Ukrainians continue to rally behind their president, particularly as the nation fights against the ongoing Russian invasion.
Furthermore, the survey results indicate a high level of support for the government’s war strategy, with a majority of respondents expressing a desire to continue resisting Russian aggression rather than negotiating under unfavorable terms.
Elections in Ukraine: Why They Can’t Happen Now
Trump’s suggestion that Ukraine should hold elections has been widely criticized, as the Ukrainian Constitution prohibits elections during martial law. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has been under emergency wartime conditions, making an election logistically impossible.
Officials within Ukraine argue that holding elections while the country is at war would be impractical and potentially destabilizing. Resources remain focused on defense efforts, humanitarian aid, and rebuilding war-torn regions, rather than organizing an election that could cause further political divisions.
Debunking the 4% Approval Claim
Trump’s claim of Zelenskyy’s alleged 4% approval rating appears to lack any factual basis, as no credible polling data supports such a figure. The latest 57% approval rating indicates that Zelenskyy still holds a majority of public trust, despite the ongoing hardships Ukraine is facing.
The Bigger Picture
As Ukraine continues to fight for sovereignty and international support, misinformation and political statements from global leaders can have a significant impact on public perception. The recent poll data serves as a clear indicator that Zelenskyy retains strong backing from his people, even amid one of the most challenging periods in Ukraine’s history.
With U.S. elections on the horizon, Trump’s comments about Ukraine’s leadership have raised questions about his foreign policy stance, particularly regarding continued U.S. support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy remains focused on leading his nation through war and ensuring Ukraine’s resilience against Russian aggression.