Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's approval rating has climbed to 68% in early March, a notable increase from 57% the previous month, according to a Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) poll released Friday. The rise comes amid strained relations with the U.S., highlighting a rally-around-the-flag effect as geopolitical tensions escalate.
The survey, conducted between March 1-5, revealed a simultaneous drop in Zelenskyy's disapproval rating from 37% to 27%. Anton Hrushetsky, KIIS executive director, attributed the shift to Ukrainian perceptions of recent U.S. rhetoric as "an attack on the whole of Ukraine," emphasizing national unity during diplomatic friction.
Tensions peaked during Zelenskyy's February 28 White House meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, which ended abruptly with the cancellation of a planned press conference and a delayed raw materials agreement. Analysts suggest the confrontation amplified domestic support for Zelenskyy, reinforcing his position as a defender of Ukrainian interests.
While the long-term economic implications of the U.S.-Ukraine rift remain uncertain, the poll underscores how diplomatic challenges can reshape public sentiment in volatile regions. For business professionals and policymakers, the data offers insights into the intersection of geopolitics and public opinion dynamics.
