Ukrainians rethink Volodymyr Zelenskyy future after war, poll shows
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: Getty Images)
Most Ukrainians do not want to see Volodymyr Zelenskyy as president after the war, although they currently support him as the country's leader, according to results of a study by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology.
President's resignation: What the numbers say
Only 28% of respondents want Volodymyr Zelenskyy to continue his presidency after the war — a slight increase compared to 25% in October 2025. Another 16% are ready to see Zelenskyy in politics, but in a different role — for example, as a member of parliament or party leader.
At the same time, 30% believe he should completely leave politics. Options include charity work, defending Ukraine's interests abroad, or simply private life. 15% demand criminal prosecution.
Who supports what — depending on trust
Attitudes toward Zelenskyy's future differ sharply depending on how much a person trusts him.
Among those who "completely trust" him, 70% want to see him remain president. But among those who "rather trust" him, this share is significantly lower — only 28%.
Those who "rather do not trust" mostly expect Zelenskyy to leave politics without any prosecution. Meanwhile, among those who "completely do not trust," 64% insist on criminal prosecution.
"That is, a significant part of Ukrainians trust Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but as the leader of the country in the conditions of an existential war. And at the same time, they are waiting for a new generation of leaders – after the war," said Director of the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology Anton Grushetskyi.
According to the same survey, the level of trust in Zelenskyy in April decreased to 58% from 62% in March. The share of those who do not trust the president increased from 32% to 36%.
Ukrainians also named the main reasons for distrust in Zelenskyy: long-standing distrust since pre-war times, lack of progress in ending the war, and unfulfilled campaign promises.
