TRUST IN ZELENSKYY RISES AS UKRAINIANS RALLY UNDER U.S. PRESSURE
Trust in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rose from 43% to 57% during October, according to the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology—a 14-percentage-point increase as Washington intensified pressure on Ukraine.
Among respondents interviewed on October 8–9, 43% trusted the president. Among those interviewed on October 10–16, that figure reached 57%. KIIS considers the shift a likely sign of Ukrainians rallying together following the U.S.–Russia diesel agreement and subsequent pressure on Kyiv.
Ukrainians have watched their president defend their country’s interests while facing criticism from the leadership of one of the world’s most powerful nations. They have also watched Russia continue its attacks while Ukraine is urged to show restraint.
For many, pressure directed at Zelenskyy is felt as pressure on Ukraine itself: on its right to resist, protect its people and determine its future.
That does not erase domestic disagreements or dissatisfaction with his government. Ukrainians can criticise their president and still rally behind him when they believe their country’s sovereignty is being threatened. KIIS cautions that the duration of this increase remains uncertain.
The political message is nevertheless significant. Efforts to portray Zelenskyy as standing apart from his people overlook how strongly Ukrainians identify with the struggle he represents abroad.
Ukraine wants peace. Its people also understand what they stand to lose if peace becomes a demand for submission.
Trump appears to have reminded many Ukrainians why they stand together.