Zelenskyy's approval rating rises to 67% after White House showdown

(CLO) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's approval rating has increased significantly after his public argument with US President Donald Trump at the White House on February 28.

According to a poll by the Kiev International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) released on March 7, 67% of Ukrainians now trust Mr. Zelenskyy, up from 57% last month.

The poll, conducted between February 14 and March 4 among 1,029 people by telephone, found that support for Mr. Zelenskyy was especially strong after Mr. Trump suspended military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Meanwhile, the percentage of people who do not trust Mr. Zelenskyy dropped from 37% to 29%.

Mr. Trump and Mr. Zelenskyy argued at the White House on February 28. Photo: X

KIIS CEO Anton Hrushetskyi said the poll reflects the sentiment of Ukrainians, who see the Trump administration’s tough stance as an attack on their entire nation. He stressed that Ukrainians want peace , but will not accept any deal that comes at too high a price.

The escalation of tensions between the two leaders came after Mr Trump publicly called Mr Zelenskyy an “unelected dictator” and blamed him for prolonging the war. However, legal experts point out that the Ukrainian constitution does not allow for elections during martial law, which has been in place since the conflict with Russia began in 2022.

Tensions rose further when billionaire Elon Musk, an ally of Mr. Trump, declared on social network X on March 6 that if Ukraine held elections, "Mr. Zelenskyy would lose badly."

While Ukraine is facing a fierce war situation, especially in the eastern region, poll results show that the majority of people still have faith in Mr. Zelenskyy.

Kiev is now looking to mend relations with Washington, as Mr. Zelenskyy has said he is ready to talk to Mr. Trump and find a viable diplomatic solution for Ukraine.

Ngoc Anh (according to Kyiv Independent, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ty-le-ung-ho-ong-zelenskyy-tang-len-67-sau-cuoc-dau-khau-tai-nha-trang-post337607.html