According to the latest survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KMIS), the level of trust Ukrainians have in President Volodymyr Zelensky significantly increased in the first half of May 2024
This indicates a positive trend in public opinion and government policy ahead of upcoming important political events. The survey results show that the number of citizens expressing trust in the head of state reached 74%, which is 5 percentage points higher compared to March 2024, when this indicator was 69%. Conversely, the level of distrust toward Zelensky decreased during this period — from 28% to 22%, greatly improving the trust-distrust balance from +41% to +52%. The survey was conducted from May 2 to May 12 and included over a thousand respondents from all regions of Ukraine, excluding occupied territories. It also took into account the opinions of internally displaced persons and citizens temporarily residing abroad since the start of the war on February 24, 2022. The methodology involved telephone interviews using a random selection of mobile numbers, ensuring a representative portrait of Ukrainian society. The formal margin of error for this type of research ranges from 1.8% to 4.1%, depending on specific indicators. “According to KMIS data, the level of trust in President Volodymyr Zelensky shows steady growth across all regions of Ukraine. The highest levels of trust remain in the central, western, and northern regions — approximately 75–77%. Meanwhile, the eastern part of the country exhibits slightly lower trust levels — around 60%. However, even there, over sixty percent of respondents confidently trust the President. Unlike other regions where distrust fluctuates between 20–22%, in the east, this figure reaches up to 33%, which may reflect certain political sentiment nuances in this sector of the country,” explain sociologists. The survey results suggest that Ukrainian society’s overall trust in Zelensky has increased, serving as an important signal for the current government ahead of key political events, including presidential and parliamentary elections. Political unity, leadership trust, and stability are vital for the country's internal stability and Ukraine’s international image. “In general, it can be concluded that Volodymyr Zelensky remains a relatively popular politician, with his support not only maintained but also growing compared to previous months. This indicates public trust in his actions amid the war, an awareness of their importance, and support for targeted reforms and strategic steps taken by the authorities,” add sociologists. At the same time, experts caution that war and political challenges continue to be a relevant backdrop for any rating indicators. The diversity of regional sentiments, especially considering the unpredictability of the front-line situation and internal political developments, may again alter the dynamics of public openness and trust, making it an area for further analysis. Overall, KMIS data demonstrates a stable increase in support for Zelensky among the Ukrainian population, which will undoubtedly influence the upcoming electoral campaign and the country’s political trajectory. This further emphasizes that, despite all difficulties, Ukrainians value stability and governance, and trust in leadership remains a crucial component of the current phase on the path toward victory and recovery.