Ukrainians reject foreign pressure for early elections amid war
Despite foreign pressure, Ukrainians overwhelmingly oppose elections during the war — backing Zelensky as a bulwark against Russian and U.S. attempts to sway Ukraine’s future.
As Ukraine defends itself against a full-scale Russian invasion since 2022, a new poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) reveals that the Ukrainian public overwhelmingly rejects the idea of holding elections before the war ends — despite mounting pressure from the US Administration. Conducted between 12 and 22 March 2025, the survey of 1,326 adults clearly shows resistance to external influence and unwavering support for President Volodymyr Zelensky.
According to the findings, 69% of Ukrainians trust Zelensky — up from 67% earlier in March — while only 28% do not. This trust endures as Kyiv faces growing calls, particularly from Donald Trump-aligned U.S. circles and Vladimir Putin, to hold presidential elections that could replace Zelensky with a leader more amenable to Moscow.
The polling also shows that 77% of respondents oppose elections even under a ceasefire without security guarantees. Strikingly, even with hypothetical international security assurances, 78% still insist elections must wait until “a final peace agreement and a complete end to the war.”
Anton Hrushetsky, executive director of KIIS, noted, “Ukrainians maintain a fairly high level of trust in President Volodymyr Zelensky, and he himself is perceived as a legitimate head of state.” He added that while there is a desire for political renewal, Ukrainians are united in the belief that only they should decide the timing of elections: “Ukrainians are aware of the existential threat from Russia and the Russians, and it is precisely resistance to the ruthless enemy that is priority No. 1.”
“Ukrainians remain categorical that it is the sovereign right of Ukrainians to decide when exactly elections should be held. Currently, there is no request for elections, and on the contrary, the overwhelming majority consistently emphasizes that elections are possible only after the end of the war.”
Ukrainians are not just resisting tanks — they are resisting manipulation. In a war not just over territory, but over political destiny, Ukrainians are making it clear: leadership change under foreign influence is off the table — their democracy will not be outsourced.
[Read our Comments Guidelines]