"Zelenskyy's Approval Rating Soars in Ukraine Amid Trump Controversy"

In the midst of a geopolitical storm, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has seen his approval rating surge to 63%, according to a recent poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS). This surge comes at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump has made controversial claims about Zelenskyy's popularity, asserting that his approval rating is a mere 4%. The stark contrast between Trump's assertions and the actual poll data highlights a broader narrative of resilience and unity within Ukrainian society.



The KIIS poll, conducted between February 4 and 9, 2025, involved 1,600 telephone interviews and revealed that 73% of Ukrainians consider Zelenskyy an "intelligent person," while 63% see him as a strong leader. This data stands in stark contrast to Trump's claims, which Zelenskyy has attributed to a Russian disinformation campaign. The Ukrainian president has been vocal about the disinformation, stating, "We have evidence that these numbers originate from Russia."

The resilience of the Ukrainian population is evident in their continued support for Zelenskyy, despite the ongoing conflict with Russia and the external pressures from the U.S. The survey results indicate that the majority of Ukrainians believe that elections should be held after the war, with a priority on strengthening defense capabilities. This sentiment is reflected in the public's trust in the armed forces, which remain the most trusted national institution.

The historical and cultural factors contributing to this resilience are deeply rooted in Ukraine's past. Ukrainians have a long history of resisting external domination and have developed a strong sense of national identity. The revolutions in 2004 and 2014, known as the orange Revolution and Euromaidan, respectively, have further buoyed the population's attachment to democratic participation. These events have shown Ukrainians that people have the power to decide their future, fostering a deep sense of unity and determination.

The decentralization reform launched in 2015–20 has also played a crucial role in increasing civic engagement at the local level. This reform has empowered local actors, allowing communities to recover quickly from the conflict and engage residents, businesses, and foreign donors in the rebuilding process. The perception of Russia as an existential threat has further cemented this unity, as the ongoing conflict has reinforced the population's resolve to defend their country.

Despite the challenges and hardships of the ongoing conflict, the Ukrainian population continues to rally around their leader, demonstrating a strong sense of unity and support for their government's efforts in defending the country against Russian aggression. The sustained support for Zelenskyy, as evidenced by the recent poll data, reflects a broader sentiment of resilience and determination among the Ukrainian people.

In conclusion, the recent increase in Zelenskyy's approval rating is a testament to the resilience of Ukrainian society in the face of prolonged conflict and external pressures. The historical and cultural factors, trust in leadership, civic engagement, and perception of Russia as an existential threat have all contributed to this resilience. As the Ukrainian people continue to support their leader and defend their country, they serve as an inspiration to the world, demonstrating the power of unity and determination in the face of adversity.