According to the latest sociological survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), the level of trust Ukrainians have in President Volodymyr Zelensky has significantly decreased
Since May, this indicator has experienced an 11 percentage point decline, confirming a trend of decreasing support for the head of state within society. By early June, the survey results showed that more than two-thirds of Ukrainians—65%—expressed trust in Zelensky, while 30% of respondents reported distrust. This means that the balance between trust and distrust shifted to +35%, which is the lowest level since March 2025 and, at the same time, higher than the trust level recorded in February of the same year, when support for the president was at 57%. Experts in the sociological field emphasize that the short-term decrease in trust does not have definitive causes, as the research does not contain information that could clearly explain such a rapid downward trend. At the same time, analysts note that various factors influence public trust dynamics, including the lack of significant progress in ending the war and a decline in national cohesion surrounding the idea of patriotism after a wave of unity in the spring. It was during this period, in early May, when the agreement on mineral extraction was signed, that trust in the president rose to 74%, indicating a short-term positive effect of political decisions. Sociologists also highlight the influence of methodological features of the survey. Specifically, during the polling process, ten political figures—including Zelensky—were mentioned, with each being read to respondents in different orders. It was found that those whose names, including Zelensky's, were read closer to the end of the list more frequently expressed trust—likely due to the order effect. The geographic distribution of trust indicators shows that the highest support for the president is in the west of the country—73%, while in the south and east, the trust levels decreased to 61% respectively. Experts also point out that among those who trust Zelensky, the majority (55%) are strongly opposed to any territorial concessions, whereas 36% of this group are willing to make territorial compromises. Meanwhile, among respondents who do not trust the president, 43% are strongly against concessions, and 46% are ready to give up territories. The study of public sentiments was conducted from May 15 to June 3 using telephone interviews with a random sample of over a thousand Ukrainians aged 18 and older. The survey included only residents who permanently live in territories controlled by the government, minimizing the influence of those temporarily abroad or living in occupied areas. The statistical margin of error was approximately 4.1% for indicators near 50%, decreasing with smaller figures. There are also systematic deviations caused by methodological features, but researchers assure that the data are highly representative and reliably reflect current attitudes among the Ukrainian population. Overall, the survey results demonstrate that trust in Zelensky remains at an average level and is under certain pressure. The internal political and external situation—specifically, the unresolved war and uncertainty in relations with key international partners—continues to shape the objective context for public perception of the country's leadership.