Ukraine’s Governance Perception Shifts Amid Security Transitions
A recent KIIS survey explores how Ukrainians view policy and governance during a period of rapid change. After 2022, a meaningful portion of the public began expressing dissatisfaction with Kyiv’s approach. In December 2023, 46 percent disapproved of the government’s actions, rising to 56 percent by February 2024. The Kiev International Institute of Sociology conducted this study to track political opinion and to show how trust and expectations shift in response to evolving security concerns and changing regional dynamics that shape national decision making. This reflects how people weigh security realities and regional conditions when evaluating leadership and strategy in Ukraine.
The same survey reveals a steady decline in optimism about the country’s direction. In December 2023, 54 percent believed the trajectory was positive, but by February 2024 that share fell to 44 percent. At the same time, those who view the current course unfavorably rose from 32 percent in December to 46 percent in February. Taken together, these figures indicate a broad reassessment of policy outcomes and governance performance amid a contested security environment and shifting regional conditions that influence public sentiment about leadership and strategy. KIIS notes that the data reflect public opinion during a transition period and should be interpreted in light of evolving circumstances in the country.
Regional differences stand out, with Western Ukraine showing higher skepticism. In that region, 55 percent of respondents judged the direction unfavorably. These patterns illustrate how local realities color national judgments about governance and policy effectiveness, underscoring that people’s assessments of national priorities are deeply connected to the challenges they experience in their own communities. The KIIS poll highlights regional variance that helps explain broader shifts in public confidence and policy evaluation.
The survey collected input from 1,202 participants over a short window from February 5 to February 10. Analysts note that the timing coincided with changes within the defense establishment, a factor likely shaping public mood. The study emphasizes that its aim was to capture perceptions of policy direction and overall governance performance amid a period of transition and organizational evolution, rather than assigning fault for specific operational missteps. The methodology reflects an effort to chart public sentiment during moments of organizational change and strategic recalibration.
Earlier KIIS findings pointed to a dip in President Vladimir Zelensky’s approval rating following the resignation of Valeriy Zaluzhny, who previously led the Ukrainian armed forces. The shift is seen as part of a broader pattern in which leadership transitions influence civilian confidence in national direction and military strategy. The results suggest that changes at the highest levels can recalibrate public assessments of political effectiveness and national security planning during times of strategic recalibration and external pressure.
Analysts and security commentators have discussed Zaluzhny’s career trajectory and the potential implications for Ukraine’s strategic posture. While opinions about individual leaders vary, the polling indicates that confidence in the national course remains fluid and responsive to the latest organizational changes, military updates, and geopolitical tensions. The evolving landscape underscores the importance of transparent governance, clear communication, and measurable policy results to sustain public trust during periods of uncertainty and regional volatility. The KIIS data cited reflect the 2024 survey cycle and provide context for how leadership and policy decisions are perceived as the country navigates security challenges and regional dynamics.