Ukrainian President Zelensky: The Sentiments Behind the Decline in Approval Ratings
The approval rating of Ukrainian President Zelensky has fallen below 60% for the first time since the Russian invasion began in February 2022, according to a poll conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS). In a survey conducted in May this year, 59% of respondents said they trust President Zelensky. This is a significant drop compared to over 90% support in May 2022, shortly after the invasion began. However, I wonder if this result truly reflects a decline in trust and increased anxiety.
President Zelensky’s Leadership
President Zelensky, with an unconventional background as an actor, became president and subsequently faced the unprecedented crisis of the Russian invasion. His wartime leadership and determination to fight alongside his people have been highly regarded both domestically and internationally. The role he has played in ensuring the survival of the nation amidst such harsh conditions is commendable.
Under his leadership, Ukraine has stood united against the Russian invasion. President Zelensky’s relentless efforts to garner international support and continuously uplift domestic morale have been significant factors in maintaining Ukraine’s integrity as a state.
Factors Behind the Decline in Approval Ratings
Several factors may explain the decline in approval ratings revealed by this latest survey. Firstly, the failure of counteroffensives and the public’s opposition to mobilization are notable reasons. As the war drags on and the situation on the battlefield remains unfavorable, it is natural for dissatisfaction with the leadership to grow. Additionally, corruption scandals involving high-ranking officials within the administration have also contributed to the decline in trust. In a climate where the public is highly sensitive to corruption, such scandals greatly undermine confidence in the leadership.
At the same time, these factors impact the evaluation of President Zelensky’s leadership without entirely negating it. Rather, they reflect the complex emotions and expectations of the Ukrainian people.
Currently, it can be observed that Ukrainians focus more on criticizing the "team" and not the President himself (in particular, as you can see, if the President himself has a fairly high level of trust, his party does not).
The Challenges of Wartime Leadership
Even for someone who has not experienced the ravages of war firsthand, it is imaginable how incredibly challenging it is to exercise leadership during wartime. The situation on the ground changes moment by moment, requiring swift and accurate decisions while also responding to pressures and expectations both domestically and internationally. President Zelensky has consistently shown his commitment to fighting alongside his people under these severe conditions. Consequently, Ukraine has managed to secure international support and maintain its combat capabilities.
However, as the war prolongs, the fatigue of the populace deepens, and frustrations and anxieties about the lack of progress in the war grow. For those who have lost family and friends on the front lines, the expectations for their leader are immense, and the disappointment when those expectations are not met is equally significant.
Positive Aspects of the Decline in Approval Ratings
On the other hand, the decline in President Zelensky’s approval ratings can be seen as having positive aspects. It indicates that a society where people can freely express their opinions is being built. In the early stages of the war, absolute support for the leader was necessary, but as time has passed, the public has been able to form their own opinions and voice them, marking significant progress for Ukraine.
President Zelensky’s role as a national leader has not only been to direct combat but also to reaffirm the values of freedom and democracy among the people. As a result, an environment is gradually being created where citizens can express their criticisms and demands towards the government and its leaders.
Expression of Gratitude and Expectations
The decline in approval ratings can be viewed as a complex mixture of the public’s gratitude and expectations towards President Zelensky. The people appreciate his leadership but also seek further efforts towards the end of the war and the realization of peace. This is not a denial of him but rather a testament to the trust in the role he has played so far.
Moreover, the decline in approval ratings is not a personal attack against him but rather a healthy criticism from a populace seeking a better future. In the ongoing war, the ability of the public to raise their voices and demand improvements from the government demonstrates the maturity of the democracy that he has strived to protect even in these tumultuous times.
Future Challenges for President Zelensky
For President Zelensky, the challenge moving forward is to continue demonstrating leadership that meets the expectations of the people. Addressing issues like the failures in counteroffensives, dissatisfaction with mobilization, and corruption scandals will require transparent political governance and effective policy implementation to restore public trust.
Furthermore, he needs to continue securing international support while also focusing on domestic economic reconstruction and social rehabilitation. By doing so, it is expected that peace and stability will be realized post-war, improving the lives of the citizens.
Conclusion
The decline in President Zelensky’s approval ratings is not merely a drop in leadership evaluation but reflects the complex emotions and expectations of the public. If viewed as the public’s growing ability to freely express their opinions about the future of the country, this can also be seen as one of the accomplishments of his leadership, maintaining the nation’s integrity and striving towards a democratic society even amidst war.
Therefore, the fluctuations (decline) in approval ratings could potentially reflect the public’s gratitude and expectations towards President Zelensky. It is hoped that he will continue to embrace healthy criticism from the public and demonstrate leadership that meets their expectations for a better future.
Personal Reflection
On a side note, I wonder if the news of declining approval ratings itself could be seen as an expression of gratitude and a concern for the safety of President Zelensky by the public.
May peace be with many hands.❀
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