Zelensky’s trust rating surges following White House clash with Trump

Breaking – President Volodymyr Zelensky’s approval rating has surged by 10% in the wake of his contentious meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, according to a new poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS).

The survey, conducted between 14 February and 4 March 2025, found that 67% of Ukrainians expressed trust in Zelensky, compared to 57% in early February. The percentage of respondents who said they did not trust the Ukrainian leader fell from 37% to 29% over the same period.

The poll results underscore a rallying effect among Ukrainians, who appear to have responded strongly to the diplomatic rift that emerged during the White House meeting on 28 February. KIIS Executive Director Anton Hrushetskyi noted that the friction with Washington has been widely interpreted in Ukraine as a broader challenge to the nation itself.

“Ukrainians perceive the rhetoric of the new U.S. administration as an attack on the whole of Ukraine and all Ukrainians,” Hrushetskyi said in a statement. “They want peace, but not at a cost that undermines their sovereignty.”

White House Dispute and Public Reaction

The Oval Office meeting between Zelensky and Trump was marked by tense exchanges over continued U.S. military support for Ukraine. The fallout from the meeting fueled widespread discussion both in Ukraine and internationally.

In a separate poll, the KIIS data suggests that prior to the meeting, trust in Zelensky had already been climbing, reaching 66% by late February. In the immediate aftermath of the diplomatic clash, trust increased further to 68%, while distrust dropped to 27%.

This shift reflects a consolidation of support behind Zelensky as he navigates Ukraine’s fragile geopolitical position. The surge in public backing mirrors similar trends observed in wartime leaders, where external pressure strengthens domestic unity.

Political analysts suggest that Zelensky’s ability to maintain public trust will depend on his next steps in securing international military and financial aid. Washington remains Ukraine’s largest supporter, but Trump’s administration has indicated a more transactional approach, putting Kyiv in a precarious position.

The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this newfound support translates into concrete gains for Ukraine on the battlefield and in diplomatic negotiations. For now, however, the Ukrainian public appears to be rallying behind their president in the face of international headwinds.

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▪ This piece was first published in Europeans TODAY on 8 March 2025.

▪ Cover: Dreamstime/Vladyslav Musiienko.