A recent survey by The Economist and YouGov reveals a significant shift in the perception of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy among Republican respondents in the United States. The survey, released on Thursday, shows that the negative perception of Zelenskyy among Republicans increased from 40% to 56% within a week following former President Donald Trump’s criticism of the Ukrainian leader.
Trump’s comments, in which he described Zelenskyy as a “dictator without elections” sparked a backlash, with Trump later denying making the statement. Zelenskyy’s term as president ended in May, but he refused to hold new elections, citing the ongoing war and martial law.
The survey also indicates a decline in Republican support for Ukraine, with 47% of respondents now saying they support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, down from 52% in the previous week. In contrast, 58% of Americans overall still support Ukraine.
The survey also provides insights into the public’s perception of international leaders, with 40% of Americans viewing Russia as an ally or friendly nation and 38% as unfriendly or hostile. The European Union is seen as positive by 34% and negative by 36%, while China is viewed as unfriendly or hostile by 64% of respondents, with only 16% seeing it as an ally or friendly nation.
The survey, conducted from February 23 to 25 among 1,604 adult Americans, coincides with the beginning of talks between the US and Russia aimed at restoring bilateral relations and resolving the Ukraine conflict. Both sides have described the talks as productive.