Volodymyr Zelensky isn't the same man who stood on a Kyiv street corner in a green t-shirt four years ago promising to stay. Ukraine isn't the same country, either. If you’re looking for a simple "yes" or "no" on whether Ukrainians still back their president, you're going to be disappointed. It’s complicated.
Honestly, the vibe in Kyiv and Lviv right now is heavy. As of January 2026, the rally-around-the-flag effect that once gave Zelensky a 90% approval rating has largely evaporated. It’s been replaced by something much more human: exhaustion, skepticism, and a very sharp eye on what comes next. Read more on a connected subject: this related article.
Recent data from the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) and the Razumkov Center paints a picture of a nation at a crossroads. While many still respect Zelensky as the wartime leader who didn't run, there’s a growing segment of the population that’s ready to talk about a post-Zelensky future.
The Approval Slide: What the Numbers Actually Say
Let’s talk numbers, but keep it real. In the early days of 2022, Zelensky’s support was nearly universal. It was a miracle. By late 2025 and moving into this month, that’s changed. Further reporting by The Guardian explores comparable views on the subject.
Recent polling shows that trust in Zelensky has hovered around 55% to 60% for much of the past year. But here’s the kicker: in a hypothetical election, the gap between him and former army chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi has basically disappeared. Some December 2025 polls actually put Zaluzhnyi ahead—about 23% to Zelensky’s 20% in terms of first-choice preference.
It’s not that people hate him. It’s just that the "hero" narrative has hit the reality of a long, grinding war of attrition.
Why the trust is fraying:
- The Mobilization Fatigue: The debate over drafting another 500,000 people didn't just happen in government offices; it happened at kitchen tables. People blamed the administration for the messy rollout.
- The Corruption Problem: Even with a war on, Ukrainians are hyper-sensitive to "business as usual." High-profile scandals in the defense ministry and the recent dismissal of the SBU head have left a sour taste.
- The Trump Factor: With Donald Trump back in the White House in the U.S., there’s a lot of anxiety about whether Zelensky can still "work his magic" to get the aid Ukraine needs.
The Zaluzhnyi Shadow
You can't talk about Zelensky’s popularity without talking about "The Iron General." Even though Zaluzhnyi was moved to an ambassador role in London, he remains the most trusted figure in the country.
Ukrainians often view the military as an institution that is "pure," while the presidency is seen as "political." It’s an unfair comparison in some ways, but it’s the reality on the ground. When Zelensky fired Zaluzhnyi, a lot of people felt like it was a move to protect his own political future rather than a strategic necessity.
What About the Peace Talks?
This is where it gets really messy. Zelensky is currently navigating a nightmare. He’s facing pressure from Washington to accept a "freeze" or a "deal" that might involve losing territory—specifically parts of the Donbas.
Public opinion on this is totally split. A January 2026 KIIS survey found that while a majority still say they are "categorically against" giving up land, about 46% of Ukrainians now believe that some kind of negotiated compromise is the only way out.
If Zelensky signs a deal that people think is a "sell-out," his numbers will tank overnight. If he keeps fighting and the front lines don't move, he gets blamed for the stalemate. He's basically stuck between a rock and a hard place.
The "End of Term" Debate
Technically, Zelensky’s term should have ended. But under martial law, elections are prohibited. Most Ukrainians actually agree with this—roughly 60% to 70% think holding a vote while bombs are falling is a terrible idea.
However, the opposition is starting to whisper. They call him "illegitimate," echoing a narrative that (unfortuantely) Russian propaganda loves to push. For most regular people in Odesa or Kharkiv, it’s not about the law; it’s about whether he’s still the best guy for the job.
"We don't want an election now, but we want to know there's a plan for after," one shopkeeper in Kyiv told a reporter recently. That pretty much sums it up.
The Realistic Takeaway
If you’re watching this from the outside, don't mistake the criticism for a desire to surrender. Ukrainians are just doing what people in democracies do: they are holding their leader accountable during the worst time in their lives.
Zelensky is no longer the untouchable icon. He’s a politician-general who is being judged on results. Right now, those results are mixed, and the public's mood is shifting from "support at all costs" to "what have you done for us lately?"
What to Watch for Next
If you want to keep a pulse on where Ukrainian opinion is headed, keep an eye on these three things:
- The Referendum Talk: There’s more and more chatter about Zelensky putting any peace deal to a national referendum. If he does that, it’s a sign he knows his personal mandate isn't enough to carry the weight of a painful compromise.
- Corruption Trials: Watch how the government handles the latest NABU (National Anti-Corruption Bureau) investigations. If they protect their own, Zelensky's trust rating will likely drop into the 40s.
- Zaluzhnyi’s Social Media: Every time the former General posts a photo or a vague comment, the "Zaluzhnyi for President" rumors catch fire. His silence is often more powerful than Zelensky’s speeches.
Check the latest updates from The Kyiv Independent or Ukrainska Pravda for local reporting that captures these nuances better than the big international outlets.
