Ukrainians' trust in Zelensky drops to 52% during 2024 - poll

A recent survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) indicates that 52% of Ukrainians trust President Volodymyr Zelensky, marking a decline of seven percentage points since October 2024 and 12 points since February. Meanwhile, 39% of respondents expressed distrust in the president.

The poll, conducted between December 2 and 17, 2024, reflects a shifting public mood as Russia’s all-out war approaches its third anniversary and Moscow continues its advances in Ukraine’s eastern regions.

Zelensky’s popularity had surged after Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, with many Ukrainians praising his decision to remain in Kyiv and lead the resistance. However, his approval has gradually declined throughout 2024, correlating with battlefield setbacks and a growing stalemate that has favored Russian advances.

Trust in Zelensky varies across regions, with higher approval in the western (60%) and central (52%) parts of the country, compared to lower levels in the southern (46%) and eastern (42%) regions—areas most impacted by the war.

The survey, based on telephone interviews with 2,000 respondents from Ukraine-controlled territories, also highlights a broader trend of pessimism regarding the war’s progress. In another KIIS poll from December 2024, 38% of Ukrainians expressed openness to territorial concessions for peace, a significant rise from 19% a year earlier.

These developments come as expectations grow for potential peace talks in 2025. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has committed to facilitating negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow, adding to the anticipation of a diplomatic resolution.

The situation in Kurakhove is tense;Ukrainian Armed Forces hold defence on west side of town

Russian forces are intensifying their efforts to destroy the buildings in Kurakhove, Donetsk Oblast, while Ukraine’s defense forces continue to hold the western part of the town.

According to Major Viktor Trehubov, spokesperson for the Khortytsia Operational Strategic Group of Forces, the Russian strategy involves obliterating even low-rise buildings.

"The Russians are trying to destroy all the buildings in the city. Once the city is completely destroyed, there will be no fortifications left to hold the defense. Any house can serve as a fortification, but without structures, it becomes impossible to maintain a defensive position," Trehubov stated during a national 24/7 newscast.

The situation in Kurakhove remains critical as much of the town has already been destroyed. Despite this, Ukrainian forces are maintaining control over the town's western outskirts and the power plant located within Kurakhove.

Kyiv and Moscow reached preliminary agreement to prioritize wounded POWs in future exchanges

Ukraine and Russia have reportedly reached a "preliminary agreement" to conduct regular prisoner exchanges throughout the year, focusing on the return of seriously ill and severely wounded prisoners of war (POWs). Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets shared this development on Jan. 6 during an interview with the parliamentary broadcaster Rada.

Lubinets stated that while the agreement is not yet official, its success would be evident if Russia honors its commitment. He suggested that Ukrainian society would recognize a systematic approach in terms of the quantity, timing, and categories of prisoners returning home.

He explained that for the first time, the lists for exchanges would prioritize individuals based on their physical health. Critically ill or severely injured prisoners would take precedence, followed by those who have been held in captivity the longest.

Ukraine’s prisoner exchange efforts in 2024 led to the release of 356 more individuals compared to the previous year, with 11 exchanges conducted. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has managed to secure the release of 3,956 people, including 1,358 in 2024 alone.

President Volodymyr Zelensky underscored these achievements in his New Year’s address on Dec. 31, emphasizing the nation’s dedication to bringing its people home.

On Dec. 30, Ukraine carried out one of its largest exchanges, freeing 189 captives, including military personnel and two civilians. Those released included defenders from Azovstal, Mariupol, the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, Snake Island, and other critical battlefronts.