Majority of US Republicans hostile to Zelensky – poll

56% of GOP respondents now view the Ukrainian leader unfavorably, up from 40% last week, an Economist/YouGov survey indicates

Attitudes among US Republicans toward Vladimir Zelensky have soured significantly as the Ukrainian leader has come under a barrage of criticism from President Donald Trump, according to a new Economist/YouGov poll.

The survey, which was released on Thursday, indicated that the unfavorable perception of Zelensky among GOP respondents rose from 40% to 56% in just one week. The trend comes after Trump suggested that Kiev could have avoided the conflict with Russia and also branded the Ukrainian leader a “dictator without elections.” Later, however, Trump denied having made any statements about Zelensky being a “dictator.” 

Zelensky’s presidential term ended last May, but he refused to hold new elections, citing the ongoing martial law. Russia deems him illegitimate and insists that legal power in Ukraine now lies with the parliament.

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Meanwhile, 47% of Republicans side with Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, down five points from last week. Overall, 58% of Americans continue to side with Kiev in the hostilities.

Meanwhile, 47% of Americans currently view Trump favorably, compared with 50% who view him unfavorably.

Regarding perceptions of international relations, the poll indicates that 40% of Americans view Russia as an ally or friendly nation, while 38% consider it unfriendly or an enemy. The European Union is seen favorably by 35%, while 36% view it unfavorably. China is perceived as an ally or friendly by 16% of respondents, whereas 64% regard it as unfriendly or an enemy, according to the survey.

The Economist/YouGov poll was conducted among 1,604 US adult citizens from February 23 to 25.

The survey was released as the US and Russia have begun holding talks paving the way for the restoration of bilateral ties and settlement of the Ukraine conflict. Both sides have touted the engagement as productive. Meanwhile, Zelensky is expected to sign a deal with the US granting the latter access to Ukraine’s vast deposits of mineral resources to compensate Washington for past military aid.

The Ukrainian leader has acknowledged that the US will not provide Kiev with security guarantees as part of this agreement, which has been one of Kiev’s key requests. However, an Economist report claimed that Zelensky does not intend to sign any further agreement with the US on the matter unless the guarantees are explicitly addressed.