**Ukrainian Trust in Zelensky Reaches New High Ahead of Peace Talks**
A recent poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) has shown a significant increase in trust ratings for President Volodymyr Zelensky, just as he prepares to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin for peace talks. The survey, conducted among 1,010 citizens over 18 years old living in Ukraine-controlled territories, found that the president’s trust rating rose from 69% in March to 74% in the first half of May.
This increase represents a 5% jump compared to the previous poll, while the level of distrust decreased from 28% to 22%. As a result, the trust-distrust balance now stands at +52%, indicating that the majority of Ukrainians have confidence in their leader. Notably, this trend is consistent across all regions of Ukraine, demonstrating a broad-based increase in support for President Zelensky.
**A Glimmer of Hope for Peace Talks**
The timing of this poll is significant, as it comes just ahead of the possible meeting between Zelensky and Putin in Turkey on May 15. Russia’s invitation to direct talks was met with skepticism by Ukraine and its international partners, who had called for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. However, President Zelensky accepted the invitation, signaling his willingness to engage with Russia in an effort to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
If the meeting between Zelensky and Putin were to occur, it could mark a significant breakthrough in stalled diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The last face-to-face meeting between the two leaders took place in December 2019 under the Normandy Format, while there have been no direct meetings since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
**What Does This Mean for Ukraine?**
The increase in trust ratings for President Zelensky is a positive sign for Ukraine, indicating that citizens are confident in their leader’s ability to navigate the complex and challenging situation. As the country prepares for possible peace talks with Russia, this boost in morale could have significant implications for Ukraine’s resilience and determination to resist Russian aggression.
While it remains to be seen whether the meeting between Zelensky and Putin will yield a meaningful breakthrough, one thing is clear: Ukrainians are united behind their leader as he seeks to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. As the international community watches with bated breath, Ukraine’s citizens are resolute in their support for President Zelensky, and their trust in him has never been higher.
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