Could Ukraine’s wartime leader be losing his grip? President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces an uncertain political future as his once sky-high approval ratings continue to fall amid pressure from both the U.S. and Russia to hold elections.
At a glance:
• Zelenskyy’s approval ratings have plummeted from 90% at the war’s start to around 50% today
• Both the U.S. and Russia are pushing for Ukrainian elections as part of any peace deal
• Ukraine’s constitution prohibits elections during martial law, making polls unlikely until at least 2026
• Former military leader Valerii Zaluzhnyi has higher favorable ratings (62%) than Zelenskyy (52%)
• Public opinion is shifting: 52% of Ukrainians now favor negotiations with Russia, up from 27% in 2022
Zelenskyy’s Dwindling Popularity Amid Wartime Pressure
The once-beloved Ukrainian President who captured global attention with his defiant resistance against Russia’s invasion now faces a stark reality at home. Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s approval ratings have dropped nearly 40% since the start of the war, falling from 90% to around 50% according to recent polls.
Despite winning his 2019 election with an overwhelming 73% of the vote, Zelenskyy now trails behind former military leader Valerii Zaluzhnyi in favorability ratings. The ongoing war and shifting public sentiment have dramatically altered Ukraine’s political landscape since Russia’s invasion.
Both Washington and Moscow have pushed for Ukrainian elections as part of any potential peace agreement, creating additional pressure on Zelenskyy’s government. Keith Kellogg, a former Trump administration official, suggested elections could be held by the end of the year if a peace deal is reached.
Constitutional Barriers and Political Challenges
Zelenskyy’s government has repeatedly stated that elections cannot be held while martial law remains in effect. The Ukrainian constitution explicitly prohibits elections during wartime, a legal barrier that would require significant changes before any vote could take place.
“The only person that benefits from elections before there’s a durable peace deal is Putin,” said Andrew D’Anieri, an expert cited in Fox News reporting. Security concerns remain paramount as Russia could potentially use any electoral process to further destabilize Ukraine.
Zelenskyy has lost support from key allies, including his main benefactor Ihor Kolomoyski, who now faces legal charges. This erosion of his political foundation comes as Valerii Zaluzhnyi emerges as his most likely challenger, though in hypothetical election scenarios, Zelenskyy still leads 44% to 21%.
Zelenskyy took decisive action in 2022 by banning 11 political parties with Russian ties, a move that eliminated potential pro-Moscow voices from the political landscape. Despite Russia’s influence operations, analysts believe it’s unlikely that any pro-Russian government could emerge from legitimate Ukrainian elections.
Shifting Public Opinion on War and Peace
Recent polling shows a significant shift in Ukrainian public sentiment toward ending the conflict. Gallup’s latest survey reveals that 52% of Ukrainians now support negotiations with Russia, nearly double the 27% who favored talks in 2022.
“It is very important for Kellogg to come to Ukraine. Then he would understand the people and all our circumstances,” Zelenskyy said regarding American suggestions for elections. His statement reflects the complex reality facing Ukraine as it balances wartime necessities against democratic principles.
Public opinion on the war itself reveals a divided nation: 16% want to continue fighting without negotiations, 39% favor immediate peace talks, and another 39% support continuing to fight while pursuing potential negotiations. The European Council of Foreign Relations found that 47% of Ukrainians now expect a compromise outcome rather than outright victory.
Elections remain unlikely until at least 2026 due to constitutional constraints and the need for extensive preparations. The ongoing war continues to shape Ukraine’s political future, with Zelenskyy’s leadership facing its greatest test since the Russian invasion began.
