Zelensky's Approval Rating Drops: Ukrainians Unhappy with Anti-Corruption Policy Reversal

The decline coincided with controversy surrounding a law signed on July 22, which made Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies subordinate to the Prosecutor General. The move drew widespread protests, international criticism, and accusations that the government was undermining key post-Euromaidan reforms.

Facing mounting domestic and international pressure, including warnings from Brussels, Zelensky reversed course, signing a new law on July 31 that restored the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).

EPA/SERGEY DOLZHENKO

Despite the reversal, the episode appears to have taken a toll on Zelensky's reputation. The percentage of Ukrainians who do not trust the president rose from 30% in June to 35% in August, reducing his net trust rating from +35% to +23%, KIIS reported.

The institute noted, however, that Zelensky’s approval remains above the lowest levels recorded during the ongoing full-scale war, particularly in December 2024.

Corruption Concerns at the Forefront

Pollsters asked respondents who expressed distrust in Zelensky to explain their reasons. The most frequent response was dissatisfaction with the state of corruption in the country, specifically systemic corruption, rather than direct accusations against Zelensky himself.

Roughly 6% of respondents explicitly cited the July 22 legislation as the reason for their loss of confidence.

Earlier, Zelensky’s support had briefly surged to 74% in May, following the signing of a critical minerals agreement with the United States, widely viewed as a diplomatic success. However, the boost proved temporary.

Survey Details and Legislative Reversal

The KIIS poll was conducted between July 23 and August 4, using telephone interviews with 1,022 adults residing in Ukrainian-controlled territory.

The newly signed anti-corruption law, passed with unanimous support during a rare live-streamed parliamentary session, came into force on August 1. It overturned the law signed just nine days earlier, which critics argued would have placed NABU and SAPO under political control.

Both institutions were established following the 2014 Euromaidan revolution as part of a broader reform effort and remain key conditions for continued support from the EU and IMF.