Ukraine Expects Political Reset After War, 67% Say Replace Zelensky

A poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology released June 17 found that 67% of Ukrainians expect President Volodymyr Zelensky to be replaced after Russia’s war ends. This represents a sharp increase from 2023, when only 23% held that view. The shift signals growing public appetite for political renewal, even as most Ukrainians continue to support Zelensky during wartime and oppose elections until hostilities cease.

Broader Demand for Government Overhaul

The desire for change extends beyond the presidency. The poll found that 88% of Ukrainians expect some form of reset in central government after the war, up from 73% three years ago. Support for replacing parliament rose to 83% from 69%, while backing for a government reset climbed to 74% from 47%. These figures reflect what sociologists describe as a distinctly wartime attitude: citizens prioritize unity and stability during Russia’s invasion while planning for transformation once peace arrives.

Trust Remains Strong During Wartime

Despite expectations for change, Zelensky maintains solid support among Ukrainians for national defense matters. KIIS Director Anton Hrushetskyi stated that the president enjoys trust in matters of security and should remain in office until the war ends. However, this support is conditional. Among those who fully trust Zelensky, 33% still expect him to be replaced after the war. The figure rises to 68% among those who tend to trust him and 97% among those who don’t trust him at all.

Wartime Unity Versus Post-War Renewal

The poll reveals a split between immediate wartime priorities and longer-term political goals. Multiple surveys consistently show that most Ukrainians oppose holding elections while fighting continues. Hrushetskyi explained that voters who trust Zelensky avoid confrontation during the existential war but favor new leadership once conditions normalize. The proportion viewing presidential interference in parliament and government as justified has declined to 52% since 2022, signaling erosion in executive authority expectations.

Final Thoughts

Ukrainians support Zelensky for wartime leadership but plan for political change once peace arrives. The 67% expecting presidential replacement reflects a desire for elite renewal across all government branches, not a rejection of current leadership during conflict.

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