A large majority of Ukrainians still view Volodymyr Zelensky as their legitimate president, despite his extended term without elections since Russia invaded the country in 2022.
According to a survey published Monday by the Kiev International Institute of Sociology, 70% of 2,011 respondents believe Zelensky should remain in office until the end of the war. Only 22% were against.
The results contradicted Moscow’s claim that Zelensky’s term had long expired and that he was no longer the country’s legitimate leader.
Zelenskiy’s term would have formally ended on May 20, 2024. However, almost a fifth of Ukraine’s territory is occupied, making elections impossible. Martial law, imposed after the invasion, also prevents new elections from being held.
According to the survey, 56% of Ukrainians were satisfied with Zelensky’s performance as president and 37% were dissatisfied. In a survey last September, Zelensky received 77% approval.
A total of 58% of respondents were in favor of no compromises in negotiations with Russia, while 30% voted against.
At the same time, 65% of respondents believed that a referendum should be held on the objectives of any negotiations with Russia.
