KYIV, August 6 (Reuters) – Public trust in Ukrainian President Voldy Miazelensky has fallen to its lowest level in about six months after rare wartime protests against a move to restrain the power of anti-corruption watchdogs.
The investigation by the Kyiv Institute of International Sociology is the first by a leading Ukrainian poller to measure general sentiment as Zelensky sparked anger in his move to subjugate the institution to selected prosecutors.
Last month, thousands of Ukrainians had gathered in Kiev and other cities, opposed the fast tracking measures, urging Zelensky and his ruling party to quickly turn the course back.
A KIIS poll, which began a day after the controversial vote on July 22, found that 58% of Ukrainians now trust Zelensky, falling from 74% in May and 67% in February and March.
Last month, the move against anti-corruption authorities fostered frustration, particularly as critics described them as the speed and lack of transparency when the measures were passed.
Fighting corruption and improving governance are key requirements for loan-dependent Ukraine to join the European Union.
Although much smaller, the demonstrations prompted comparisons to Ukraine’s 2014 Maidan Revolution.
Kiis found that Zelensky’s disbelief cited corruption and his handling of war as the top two reasons, 21% and 20% respectively.
He added that trust had already declined before the protest, but the demonstrations “undetendedly affected the continuous slide.”
According to KIIS, Zelensky’s lowest wartime trust rating was 52% in December 2024. The latest survey involved more than 1,000 respondents from across government-controlled Ukraine.
“A worrying signal”
In the research notes, executive director Anton Grussitsky said Zelensky still enjoys “a fairly high level of trust,” but the progressive decline should serve as a warning.
“The persistent downward trend is a worrying signal that requires attention and thoughtful decisions from the authorities,” he wrote.
Zelensky said he “respects the position of all Ukrainians” after submitting and filing a new law last month that would reverse controversial measures.
However, some protesters interviewed by Reuters said the scandal had at least changed Zelensky’s perception somewhat. They denied those accusations.
“On the first day of the protest, I thought about simply getting a tattoo as a reminder of #12414,” said 22-year-old IT worker Artem Astaf’yev.
First-time protester Astaf’yev added that he would not vote for Zelenskyy’s People’s Party’s ruling servant in future polls. Elections are currently suspended under martial law.
Others, like Yuriy Fylypenko, a 50-year-old veteran, said public protests proved that Ukraine’s traditionally vibrant civil society can surprise even in wartime.
“Ukraine is not sleeping, and I am sure Ukraine is full of possibilities to adhere to democratic principles.”
(Report and Perashk)
