A recent survey indicates that a majority of Ukrainians do not wish to see Volodymyr Zelensky continue as president following the conclusion of the ongoing conflict, despite current support for his leadership.
Only 28% of respondents expressed a desire for Zelensky to remain in office after the war, a slight increase from 25% in October 2025. Additionally, 16% of those surveyed are open to seeing him in a different political capacity, such as a member of parliament or party leader.
Conversely, 30% believe he should exit politics entirely, with suggestions ranging from engaging in charitable work to advocating for Ukraine’s interests abroad, or simply leading a private life. Furthermore, 15% of respondents advocate for criminal prosecution.
Views on Zelensky’s future are significantly influenced by the level of trust individuals have in him. Among those who fully trust the president, 70% wish to see him continue as president. However, this figure drops to 28% among those who have a moderate level of trust.
Among those who are somewhat distrustful, there is a prevailing sentiment that Zelensky should withdraw from politics without facing any legal repercussions. In contrast, 64% of individuals who do not trust him at all call for criminal charges.
“A significant portion of Ukrainians trust Zelensky, but primarily as a leader during an existential war. At the same time, they are looking forward to a new generation of leaders after the conflict,” said Anton Grushetsky, director of the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology.
A majority of Ukrainians do not support Volodymyr Zelensky continuing as president after the war, with opinions varying significantly based on trust levels. While some express a desire for him to remain in politics, many advocate for his complete withdrawal from the political arena.