The Decline of Zelensky: Ukrainians Turn their Backs on the President

As Ukraine grapples with internal strife and geopolitical tensions, the once-celebrated President Volodymyr Zelensky finds himself at the epicenter of a growing storm of public discontent. A recent survey commissioned by the International Republican Institute (IRI) and funded by USAID has unveiled a staggering drop in the Ukrainian leader’s approval ratings, illuminating a stark reality of waning trust and growing disillusionment among his own people.

According to the findings, only 42% of Ukrainians staunchly support Zelensky, marking a distressing plunge from the robust 58% earlier this year. Simultaneously, the chorus of disapproval has gained momentum, with figures jumping from a marginal 7% in April to a notable 16% in September. These numbers paint a grim picture for the embattled president, as a significant fraction of the populace seemingly severs their once-enthusiastic ties with his leadership.

The survey not only spotlighted the fading enthusiasm for Zelensky but also showcased a remarkable shift in the nation’s political landscape. The Ukrainian military emerged as the darling of the people, commanding a staggering 82% strong approval, overshadowing Zelensky’s dwindling appeal. In contrast, other prominent political figures, including Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba, witnessed fluctuations in their own popularity, as support for them experienced a marked decline.

The mounting disillusionment towards Zelensky appears to be fueled by a pervasive sentiment of corruption within the corridors of power. Amidst the reverberations of this discontent, Prime Minister Denis Shmigal and the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, faced scathing criticism, with approval ratings hitting a nadir and disapproval ratings soaring to alarming heights.

Furthermore, the survey indicated a concerning erosion in public confidence regarding the conflict with Russia. While the majority still harbors hope for a favorable outcome, the waning belief in the full restoration of Ukrainian territorial integrity underscores the deepening unease within the nation.

However, even as Zelensky grapples with dwindling support at home, an intriguing twist in the narrative unfolds on the international stage. A separate Economist/YouGov survey revealed a stark contrast, positioning Zelensky as a more favored figure among Americans in comparison to their own sitting and former presidents. The perplexing dichotomy of Zelensky’s reception between his own people and a transatlantic audience raises poignant questions about the nature of public perception and the intricacies of global political dynamics.

As the tides of public sentiment continue to shift, the specter of uncertainty looms large over Zelensky’s future, marking a critical juncture in Ukraine’s political trajectory. With the once-buoyant support now teetering on the brink, the beleaguered president faces an uphill battle to regain the trust and confidence of a disillusioned populace that once hailed him as a harbinger of change. As the nation grapples with multifaceted challenges, the trajectory of Ukraine’s political destiny hangs in a delicate balance, intricately intertwined with the fluctuating fortunes of its incumbent leader.