Ukrainian public opinion shifts sharply against Zelensky amid corruption scandals
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said holding a vote now would split the country, rejecting former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov’s demand for wartime elections.
SOCIS poll results released in early August reveal a dramatic swing in Ukrainian sentiment, with 90% perceiving corruption as high or extremely high and nearly 57% holding President Volodymyr Zelensky responsible. The poll also suggests three rival candidates would defeat him in a hypothetical second-round election. Recent anti-corruption actions have targeted senior officials in Zelensky's office, including former deputy head Andriy Smyrnov, who was charged with illicit enrichment, and former economic deputy Rostyslav Shurma, suspected in a multimillion-dollar green-tariff scheme.
Other aides such as Oleh Tatarov and former chief of staff Andriy Yermak face money-laundering allegations. Zelensky’s reliance on a small, loyal inner circle and his refusal to address these accusations have contributed to the loss of public confidence, even as the war continues.
How the sides frame it
LOW AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage centers on a poll showing sharp public backlash against Zelensky over corruption, while centrist coverage focuses on Zelensky's rejection of a wartime election, stressing security risks and political unity.
LEFT
Frames Zelensky as losing public support due to widespread corruption allegations.
CENTER
Frames Zelensky as defending national stability by rejecting an election during war, highlighting security and unity concerns.
The left emphasises
- 90% perceive corruption as high or extremely high
- nearly 57% hold President Zelensky responsible
- poll suggests three rival candidates would defeat him in a hypothetical second-round election
