Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has disputed claims of a low approval rating made by US President Donald Trump, citing a recent survey by the International Institute of Sociology in Kiev. According to the institute’s findings, Zelensky’s popularity stands at 57 percent, a significant increase from the 52 percent recorded in December 2024.
Zelensky expressed confidence that the four percent approval rating mentioned by Trump was the result of Russian disinformation. He also implied that Trump himself was operating in a space of disinformation, referencing the recent exchange of claims over the extent of financial and military aid provided to Ukraine.
During a press conference, Zelensky provided a breakdown of the aid received from the US and European allies, stating that Ukraine had paid for 120 billion dollars of the total amount, with the US and allies providing the remaining 320 billion dollars in the form of military aid and direct budget support. He emphasized that the total amount of US aid did not reach 500 billion dollars, as claimed by Trump and that it was impossible and unprofessional to demand the return of these funds in the form of mineral resources.
The Ukrainian president’s comments came in response to Trump’s remarks, which were made during a press conference on Tuesday. Trump had expressed his doubts about Zelensky’s knowledge of the whereabouts of half of the funds provided to him and also described the Ukrainian leader as extremely unpopular in his own country.