Majority of Ukrainians Believe Country's Path Leans Towards Demcratic System, While Significant Number Warns of Authoritarian Tendencies
A New Poll Reveals Ukraine's Political Landscape
A recent survey unveils an intriguing divide among Ukrainians regarding the nation's political direction — 50% believe Ukraine is veering towards democracy, while 41% consider it moving towards authoritarianism. Remarkably, 9% remain undecided.
The data hails from the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) survey spanning May 2 to June 3, 2025. The Institute noted that they lack comparison data, particularly from prior to 2022. However, they suggest that "it was likely similar or even worse (considering the correlation of this view with the attitude towards power)" [1].
Is Ukraine Embracing Democracy or Sliding into Authoritarianism?
The survey also offers insights into how President Volodymyr Zelensky's supporters and critics perceive the country's path. Among Zelensky critics, an overwhelming majority (82% of those who completely distrust him, and 84% of those who mostly distrust) believe Ukraine is moving towards authoritarianism [1].
But among those who trust Zelensky, optimism prevails, albeit with some nuances. Of those who trust him completely, 76% envision a move towards greater democracy, while only 7% anticipate authoritarianism. For those who mostly trust him, 50% see democratic progress, and 41% worry about authoritarianism [1].
Democracy or Authoritarianism: A Question of Trust
In a separate KIIS survey conducted from May 28 to June 3, 2025, opinions on the nation's political trajectory were analyzed based on trust in the president. The survey used a random sample across all Ukrainian regions (government-controlled territory); a total of 1092 respondents aged 18 and above were interviewed [1].
Statistical error of such a sample did not exceed 3.9% for indicators close to 50%, 3.4% for indicators close to 25%, 2.4% for indicators close to 10%, and 1.7% for indicators close to 5%.
In conclusion, the poll results indicate a divided opinion among Ukrainians concerning the country's political trajectory, with trust in President Zelensky proving to be a significant factor shaping these opinions. Enthusiasm for democratic progress increases with high trust in the president, while fears of authoritarianism are more pronounced among distrustful individuals. This suggests that President Zelensky's leadership and the public's trust in him remain pivotal factors in shaping Ukrainians' views on democracy versus authoritarianism during the current conflict period [1][2][4].
Trends Afoot: A Look at Ukraine's Future
Based on the KIIS surveys from 2025, the nation's move toward democracy or authoritarianism is closely intertwined with trust in President Volodymyr Zelensky.
- In the May-June 2025 KIIS survey, 50% of Ukrainians believed their country was becoming more democratic, but 41% perceived an emerging trend towards authoritarianism [1][4].
- Trust in President Zelensky significantly influenced these perceptions:
- Among those who fully trust Zelensky, 76% believed Ukraine is moving towards a more democratic future, with only 7% fearing authoritarianism.
- Meanwhile, among those who mostly trust him, optimism about democratic progress was present, but concerns about authoritarianism were also evident.
- On the other hand, among those who distrust Zelensky, over 80% saw the country moving towards authoritarianism [1].
Concerns about authoritarianism encompassed several issues, including restrictions on free speech, media pressure, concentration of power, dissatisfaction with national events, corruption, and the role of temporary civil-military administrations [1]. Moreover, a majority (71%) oppose holding elections until the war is completely over, which may have an impact on the democratic process [1].
Thus, the 2025 KIIS data indicate a split perspective among Ukrainians on the nation's political direction, heavily contingent on trust in President Zelensky. High trust is associated with optimism about democratic progress, while distrust is a harbinger of concerns about authoritarianism. This underscores the continued importance of President Zelensky's leadership and public trust in him as determinants of Ukrainians' views on democracy versus authoritarianism during the ongoing conflict period. [1][2][4]
- The political views and perceptions of Ukrainians, including their leaning towards democracy or authoritarianism, appear to be strongly influenced by their trust in President Volodymyr Zelensky, as revealed in the KIIS surveys from 2025.
- The KIIS surveys from 2025 offer a striking insight into the role of policy and legislation in Ukraine's political landscape, as the findings suggest that trust in President Zelensky impacts citizens' opinions on broader political issues such as the shift towards democracy or authoritarianism, free speech, media pressure, concentration of power, and corruption.
