Poll Reveals Support for Zelenskiy’s Resignation Post-War

A recent poll by the Kiev International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) shows that 75% of Ukrainians would prefer President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to resign after the war with Russia concludes.

According to a KIIS analyst, the public largely backs Zelenskiy’s leadership during this time of conflict, with 60% of respondents expressing trust in him. Interestingly, his approval rating peaked at 90% shortly after the Russian invasion in February 2022, compared to just 37% prior to the invasion.

While 41% believe Zelensky should remain active in politics after the war, only 25% want him to maintain his presidential role. On the flip side, 36% feel he should step away from politics entirely, and 14% believe he should face criminal charges for certain actions taken during his presidency, although the poll did not clarify what those might be.

As the Kiev Independent noted, Zelensky’s approval ratings have taken a hit in recent months after he backed a bill that weakened Ukraine’s anti-corruption investigation agency. He defended his actions as essential for eliminating “Russian influence” within Ukraine’s system.

The Gallup organization has found similar results in four national opinion polls since the conflict began, putting Zelenskiy’s approval rating at 84% before the invasion and 67% currently. This is slightly higher than the KIIS figures, although Gallup’s last poll occurred in August, before the recent controversies surrounding the anti-corruption legislation affected public sentiment.

Zelenskiy had suspended the 2024 presidential election due to the martial law implemented during the invasion. According to Ukrainian law, elections cannot be conducted until martial law is lifted, but there are rumors that elections could still occur before the conflict officially ends.