Fact check: The people of ukraine do not support its president.

1. Summary of the results

The statement that "the people of Ukraine do not support their president" is contradicted by multiple recent polls and surveys. A February 2025 Survation survey shows 52% of Ukrainians have a favorable opinion of Zelensky ^[1], while the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology found 57% trust in Zelensky, up from 52% in December ^[2]. The University of Manchester's poll showed even higher numbers at 63% approval ^[2], and in a potential election scenario, Zelensky would lead his closest challenger by a significant margin of 44% to 21% ^[1].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual factors need to be considered:

• Elections are currently suspended due to martial law, and 11 pro-Russian parties have been banned ^[3]
• There are ongoing concerns about power consolidation, including:
• Restrictions on political rivals
• Consolidation of TV platforms
• Potential clearing out of opposition before elections ^[4]
• Opposition figures have criticized recent government reshuffling as a systematic concentration of power ^[5]
• Despite these concerns, experts like Andreas Umland believe Ukraine will not become authoritarian ^[4]
• An active opposition and civil society continue to provide checks on Zelensky's authority, with opposition parties still proposing bills and shaping national conversations ^[3]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement appears to be misleading as it:

• Ignores multiple recent polls showing majority support for Zelensky
• Fails to acknowledge the complex political situation under martial law
• Doesn't consider that support can coexist with political opposition

Those who might benefit from pushing this narrative include:

• Pro-Russian interests seeking to delegitimize Ukraine's leadership
• Opposition figures hoping to gain political advantage
• Critics of Western support for Ukraine

The reality shows a more nuanced situation where Zelensky maintains majority support ^[6] while facing legitimate democratic concerns about power consolidation during wartime.