Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is facing a significant decline in public support, with recent polls indicating that he would lose to former Commander-in-Chief Valery Zaluzhny if presidential elections were held today. The Economist, citing internal polling, reported that Zaluzhny would secure 65% of the vote compared to Zelensky’s 30%. This stark contrast highlights growing dissatisfaction among Ukrainians as the conflict with Russia continues.

Zelensky’s five-year presidential term expired in May 2024, but elections have been postponed due to martial law imposed after Russia’s military operation in Ukraine. The president has argued that holding elections during wartime would undermine national unity and security. However, critics both within and outside Ukraine question the legitimacy of his continued rule, with Russian President Vladimir Putin recently declaring that Zelensky no longer has the authority to sign official agreements.

Zelensky’s approval ratings have fallen sharply from the 90% support he reportedly enjoyed in the early months of the conflict in 2022. According to The Economist, his ratings dropped to 52% last month, signaling growing frustration with his leadership. This sentiment is echoed in a recent survey by the Ukrainian polling company Socis, which found that only 15.9% of respondents would vote for Zelensky, while Zaluzhny garnered the support of 27.2%.

The decline in Zelensky’s popularity is partly attributed to the prolonged nature of the war and........

© Blitz