**Ukraine’s Most Trusted Public Figure: Valerii Zaluzhnyi**
A recent poll conducted by the Rating Sociological Group has revealed that Ukraine’s former top general, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, is the country’s most trusted public figure. According to the survey, 73% of Ukrainians trust Zaluzhnyi, who was dismissed as commander-in-chief in February 2024 but continues to enjoy strong public support.
This comes as a surprise to many, given that President Volodymyr Zelensky and military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov were expected to top the list. However, Zaluzhnyi’s trust rating has consistently been high throughout his career, despite being removed from his position earlier this year. Currently, he serves as Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Kingdom.
**Other Public Figures’ Trust Ratings**
While Zelensky and Budanov have a significant following among Ukrainians, their trust ratings trail behind Zaluzhnyi’s. The president was trusted by 67% of respondents, while Budanov received a 56% trust rating. In contrast, current Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi received just 41% support.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal saw his trust rating drop significantly, with only 25% of those surveyed saying they trust him. This is particularly concerning for the prime minister, who has served in his position since March 2020 and has led the government through reforms and wartime governance.
**Shmyhal’s Decline**
The decline in Shmyhal’s trust rating is puzzling, given that he retained his post during a cabinet shake-up in September 2024. The rumors of an impending government reshuffle may have contributed to the erosion of public confidence in the prime minister. Despite this, the survey still shows that Zaluzhnyi remains the most trusted public figure in Ukraine.
**Regional Disparities**
The poll also highlights regional disparities in trust ratings, with support being highest in western Ukraine (73%) and lowest in the south and east (61%). These regions have been frequently targeted by Russian attacks, which may explain the lower levels of trust in the government.
**Conclusion**
In conclusion, Valerii Zaluzhnyi’s consistent high trust rating is a testament to his enduring popularity among Ukrainians. While other public figures, including President Zelensky and Prime Minister Shmyhal, have seen their trust ratings decline, Zaluzhnyi remains the country’s most trusted public figure. As Ukraine continues to navigate the challenges of war and government reform, it will be interesting to see how these trust ratings evolve in future polls.
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