President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seems to have lost much of the extraordinary public trust he garnered during the first year of the conflict, as Ukraine enters a hard winter without having successfully repelled the Russian invasion this year.
New research from the Kyiv International institution of Sociology shows that although 84% of Ukrainians trusted Zelenskyy at this time last year, that percentage is now 62%, with 18% indicating to the institution that they do not trust him.
Although he still has a sizable lead, this places him significantly behind the Ukrainian military, which has 96% public trust, the same level of support it had a year prior.
According to the institute's findings, all public institutions—aside from the Ukrainian Armed Forces—have seen a discernible decline in public trust, with some even going through significant transformations.
The authors clarify, "Compared to December 2022, criticism of the authorities is growing." Specifically, the percentage of people who believe in the Verkhovna Rada fell from 35% to 15%, while the percentage of people who do not believe in it rose from 34% to 61%. Mistrust of the government rose from 19% to 44%, while trust in the government fell from 52% to 26%."
The poll's other major losers include the courts and prosecutors, whose dismal ratings from a year ago currently stand at 29% of Ukrainians, and the country's mass media, which is now only trusted by 29% of Ukrainians.
Zelenskyy has been putting a lot of effort into bolstering Western backing for the war effort, because the Ukrainian military has been unable to clearly turn the tide against Russia this year. Many individuals and parliamentarians in NATO countries have turned their focus away from the ongoing battle in Israel and Gaza. Particularly in the US, right-wing lawmakers are more interested in assisting Israel than they are in supporting Ukraine.
Zelenskyy has maintained a high profile despite concerns from supportive Western commentators on "Ukraine fatigue." In the past month, he has spoken with various European leaders and will soon be back in Washington, DC, to continue pressing his case with Republican lawmakers and Joe Biden.
Soldiers from Ukraine claim they are still adamantly committed to winning, despite the counteroffensive's disappointment this summer and indications of faltering financial assistance from allies. But as winter approaches, many are concerned that Russia is more prepared for conflict and are angry at finding themselves back on the defensive in a tiresome war.
Formerly exceedingly uncommon and reserved for private expression, dissatisfaction among Ukrainian soldiers is now more widespread and visible. Disagreements among authorities have recently come to light in Kyiv, reflecting the weariness and despair felt on the front lines.
Last month, Zelenskyy openly disagreed with Valery Zaluzhny, the head of Ukraine's armed forces, who said that the conflict had come to a standstill. Furthermore, Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kiev, has frequently criticized Zelenskyy, accusing him of having excessive power.
The public in Ukraine does not appear to be siding with any side in these disputes, according to a recent poll, with those who trust Zelenskyy also typically trusting Zaluzhny and vice versa.