Poll Shows Over 70% of Ukrainians Trust Military Leaders Budanov and Zaluzhnyi.

KIIS Poll Results

According to TSN.ua: A January survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) reveals strong public confidence in Ukraine's top military officials. Specifically, 70% of respondents expressed trust in Kyrylo Budanov, while 72% voiced support for Chief of the General Staff Valerii Zaluzhnyi. The trust-distrust balance for both Budanov and Zaluzhnyi stands at +51%.

The poll was conducted from January 9 to 14, 2026, involving 601 respondents from Ukraine's government-controlled territories. Data was collected via computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI). The formal statistical margin of error for the study does not exceed 5.3%.

Growing Confidence in Military Leadership

The study also indicates a rise in trust for Kyrylo Budanov following his appointment as Head of the President's Office. This suggests a positive shift in public perception of his role. Such high approval ratings for military commanders are particularly significant for a nation engaged in a prolonged defensive war.

Overall, the poll results demonstrate substantial public backing for key figures in Ukraine's military leadership, which could influence future decisions and strategies amid ongoing challenges. This level of trust highlights stability and support for the leadership during the continuing conflict, serving as a crucial factor for mobilizing resources and shaping national security policy. High confidence in military leaders can positively affect public morale and broader support for state policy in the face of external threats.