During the war, public distrust in Zelensky has risen 5.5 times, according to a survey by KMIS.

Over the years of the war, the level of trust of Ukrainians in President Volodymyr Zelensky has significantly declined. According to a survey by KMIS, while 90 percent of Ukrainians trusted Zelensky at the beginning of the invasion in 2022, as of December 2024, only 52 percent of citizens continue to have faith in the president. Meanwhile, the share of those who do not trust him has risen from 7 to 39 percent, which is an increase of 5.5 times.

Data from the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology indicates that in December 2024, 52% of Ukrainians trusted President Volodymyr Zelensky, while 39% did not. The remaining 9% stated that they were undecided about their stance.

These figures changed dynamically throughout 2024. As recently as May, the percentage of those who trusted him was 59 percent, while those who did not trust him accounted for 36 percent. In February 2024, 64 percent of Ukrainians had confidence in Zelensky, while 35 percent did not. KMIS noted that the increase in the share of those who do not trust him was mainly due to individuals who previously felt uncertain about their attitude toward the president. In other words, between October and December, it was primarily uncertainty that increased, rather than distrust, the authors pointed out.

"Although trust indicators have worsened over the year, the balance of trust and distrust remains positive – plus 13 percent," – stated KMIS.

At the end of 2023, 77 percent of Ukrainians trusted the president, while 22 percent did not. In May 2022, 90 percent of Ukrainians had confidence in the president, compared to 7 percent who did not.

The situation is quite similar across all regions of Ukraine, with a positive balance of trust and distrust. Attitudes toward Zelensky are slightly more favorable in the West (the balance of trust and distrust stands at +27%) and in the Center (+13%). In the South and East, trust levels are also relatively high, but slightly lower, with the balance of trust and distrust in these regions close to zero.

The survey was conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology from December 2 to 17, 2024, among 2000 respondents. The statistical error of the sample does not exceed 4.1%.

Similar conclusions were reached by the authors of another survey on trust in the president and other prominent figures, conducted in November. According to its results, the president has the support of 46% of respondents. However, Ukrainians trust Valerii Zaluzhnyi and Kyrylo Budanov more than him.

Additionally, there has been a significant decrease in the number of Ukrainians willing to endure the war for as long as needed. Sociologists began to notice this reduction in the population's willingness in October of last year.