Key Facts
• On July 22, a law limiting anti-corruption agency independence was passed.
• Protests erupted nationwide, pressuring President Zelensky to reconsider the policy.
• A poll conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) began on July 23.
• Over 1,000 residents participated in the survey.
• Trust in President Zelensky fell to 58%, down from 74% in May and 67% in March.
• The lowest trust level during wartime was 52% in December 2024.
• Corruption and war response were top reasons for declining trust.
• EU membership aspirations make anti-corruption efforts critical for Ukraine.
• KIIS officials noted trust remains high but warned of a gradual decline.
Summary
A recent poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) revealed that trust in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dropped to 58%, the lowest in six months. This decline follows the passage of a controversial law on July 22, which increased political control over anti-corruption agencies, sparking rare wartime protests. Trust levels had previously been at 74% in May and 67% in March. Corruption and dissatisfaction with the government’s war response were cited as key reasons for the decline. The protests and the lack of transparency in the legislative process have further fueled public discontent. Despite the drop, KIIS officials emphasized that trust in Zelensky remains relatively high but cautioned against the ongoing downward trend. Anti-corruption measures are crucial for Ukraine’s European Union membership ambitions, making the issue particularly sensitive.
