Majority of Ukrainians hold President Zelensky accountable for allies' corruption
A poll shows 72% of Ukrainians say President Volodymyr Zelensky bears responsibility for corrupt actions by his inner circle.
The Kyiv International Institute of Sociology conducted telephone interviews across government-controlled regions and found that 72% of participants consider President Volodymyr Zelensky personally responsible for corruption committed by his close associates, whereas roughly 25% do not share this view. The institute cautions that the term “personal responsibility” is understood primarily as political accountability rather than direct involvement.
Analysis of responses by trust level reveals stark differences: among citizens with little or no confidence in Zelensky, a majority see him as responsible, while those with full confidence largely reject the notion. The survey was carried out in September 2026 and reflects public reaction to recent high-profile corruption scandals that have led to senior resignations and arrests within the president’s circle.
Why it matters
Public perception of Zelensky's accountability could shape Ukraine's political stability amid ongoing corruption scandals.
How this story developed
- Sep 12 Zelensky denounces EU talks to lift sanctions on Russian oligarchs
- Sep 15 EU Coreper authorized a week‑long postponement of the sanctions expiry.
- Sep 17 The European Commission will disburse €3.3 billion to Ukraine for missile and drone purchases, announced by Ursula von der Leyen following a call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- Sep 21 Preliminary results show United Russia winning 355 of the 450 State Duma seats, surpassing its previous 2016 high. The foreign ministries of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Norway issued a joint statement condemning elections held in Crimea and the four Ukrainian regions seized by Russia as violations of Ukraine's sovereignty. They demanded accountability for those organizing the vote and urged Russia to end its war and accept an unconditional ceasefire. The same period saw France support the removal of oligarch Alisher Usmanov from the EU sanctions list, a move backed by Slovakia and linked to broader negotiations over detained French nationals in Azerbaijan.
- Sep 21 Western allies issued a joint declaration condemning the election as a breach of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
- Sep 22 EU announced a €3.3 billion release for Ukrainian missile and drone purchases.
- Sep 22 Latvia announced it will not back the proposal to delist Usmanov and Fridman, prompting an emergency cabinet meeting.
- Sep 23 Latvia ultimately abstained in the EU vote, enabling renewal of the wider sanctions package while accepting the delisting of Usmanov and Fridman.
- Sep 24 Reports allege that corporate managers pressured staff to vote for United Russia, suggesting coercion in the electoral process.
In this story
Related stories
16 in this thread