President Zelenskyy’s Trust Decline Still Above 50%
Public trust in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has experienced a notable decline, but it remains above 50%, according to a recent survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) between December 2-17, 2024.
Trust Decline Overview
The survey findings indicate a significant shift from December 2023, when trust in President Zelenskyy stood at 77%. Throughout 2024, there was a gradual decline in trust, with substantial drops in February (64%) and May (59%) before stabilizing and declining further towards the end of the year.
Possible Factors for Declining Trust
The declining trust in President Zelenskyy could be attributed to demands for fair mobilization equally distributed among all society, as well as the perceived lack of a clearly defined strategy to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities. However, further surveys may be necessary to provide a more precise description of the reasons behind this trend.
Regional Variations in Trust
Regional analysis of the survey results shows varying levels of support for President Zelenskyy across Ukraine. The Western regions exhibit the strongest support with a trust-distrust balance of +27%, followed by Central Ukraine with a balance of +13%. The Southern and Eastern regions maintain positive but lower trust indicators, with the trust-distrust balance approaching zero.
Relationship Between Optimism and Trust
The study also highlights a strong correlation between overall optimism and trust in the President. Among optimists, who make up 50% of the population, 67% express trust in Zelenskyy, while only 26% indicate distrust. Conversely, among pessimists (23% of the population), 57% express distrust, with only 31% maintaining trust.
Methodology and Sample
The survey was conducted via telephone interviews with 2,000 respondents across government-controlled territories of Ukraine, with a statistical margin of error of 4.1% for indicators close to 50%. The sample excluded citizens who left Ukraine after 24 February 2022 and residents of temporarily occupied territories, but included internally displaced persons.
As we navigate the complexities of public opinion and leadership trust, it is crucial to understand the factors influencing these perceptions and the implications they hold for Ukraine’s future. Trust in political leaders serves as a cornerstone of effective governance and societal cohesion. In times of uncertainty and crisis, such as those faced by Ukraine today, the trust citizens place in their leaders can significantly impact the country’s ability to overcome challenges and progress towards stability and prosperity.
It is essential for leaders to not only acknowledge the concerns and expectations of the population but also to take decisive actions that demonstrate a commitment to transparency, accountability, and the well-being of all citizens. By fostering a culture of trust and collaboration, leaders can build a stronger foundation for unity and resilience in the face of adversity. As we reflect on the findings of this survey, let us consider the role each of us plays in shaping the trust we place in our leaders and the collective future we aspire to create.
