A recent poll conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) reveals a notable decrease in Ukrainian citizens' trust in President Volodymyr Zelensky, while trust in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhny remains high. The survey, conducted between November 29 and December 9, 2023, highlights shifting public sentiments in Ukraine.
According to the poll results, President Zelensky's trust rating has dropped from 84% in December 2022 to 62% in December 2023. Despite this decline, the president still retains a significant level of trust among the Ukrainian public, with the trust-mistrust balance for the president currently at +42%.
In contrast, the Armed Forces of Ukraine continue to enjoy absolute trust in society, maintaining a steady 96% trust rating since December 2022. Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhny is also held in high regard, with an 88% trust rating, and only 4% of respondents expressing distrust.
The survey further explored the intersection of trust fields between the president and the commander-in-chief. Findings show that a majority of Ukrainians, or 59%, trust both President Zelensky and Commander-in-Chief Zaluzhny simultaneously.
The proportion of Ukrainians with polarized views is relatively small, with only 14% trusting the commander-in-chief while not trusting the president, and a mere 1% expressing trust in the president but not in the commander-in-chief.
This polling data provides valuable insight into the current public opinion landscape in Ukraine, reflecting both the challenges faced by President Zelensky and the strong confidence placed in the nation's military leadership.
As Ukraine navigates through complex political and military situations, understanding these shifting dynamics of public trust becomes increasingly important.
