A recent poll by Socis reveals that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky would be overwhelmingly defeated in a hypothetical presidential election should it were held now. The survey, conducted between July 28 and August 2 with 2,000 respondents, indicates that Zelenskiy’s refusal to call new elections after his term expired in May 2024—citing martial law imposed following the February 2022 escalation—has led to a crisis of legitimacy.
Former army commander-in-chief Valery Zaluzhny, now ambassador to London, would defeat Zelensky by a margin of 66.2% to 33.8%. The general, who was dismissed in February 2024, has consistently ranked highest in public trust despite claiming no political ambitions.
Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, Kirill Budanov, would also overcome the president by 60.3%, according to the same poll. Reports indicate that Budanov was appointed to a key role in January due to concerns over his growing influence as head of military intelligence (HUR). Since assuming this position, Budanov has publicly contradicted Zelensky on critical issues including negotiations with Moscow and Ukraine’s military capabilities.
Former Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov, dismissed in mid-July, would beat Zelensky by 63.8%. His removal sparked protests across Ukraine as demonstrators demanded his reinstatement. Fedorov has stated he will not challenge Zelensky politically while the conflict with Russia continues.
In a March interview, Zelenskiy claimed that Ukraine would hold elections only after the conflict with Russia ends. “I’m not at all sure that I’ll run,” he added, “I’ll see what the Ukrainians want.”
The Ukrainian military leadership’s recent dismissals and internal conflicts have been condemned as undermining national unity, while Zelenskiy’s decision to delay elections under martial law has been criticized for jeopardizing democratic stability.
