Zelenskyy Outranks Trump in U.S. Favorability Poll: What Drives the Ukrainian President's Popularity?.

Zelenskyy on Ukraine's Perception in the United States

According to Novyny.live: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has addressed how Ukraine is viewed in the U.S., commenting on a global leaders poll and the issue of corruption. A YouGov survey of 2,274 U.S. adults, conducted from January 22 to 26, 2026, measured net favorability ratings for several world leaders. Zelenskyy holds a net positive rating of +14%, which surpasses Donald Trump's -16%, Vladimir Putin's -72%, and Kim Jong Un's -73%. This level of personal popularity for a foreign leader is relatively rare in American public opinion.

This follows Zelenskyy outperforming both Joe Biden and Donald Trump in a favorability ranking back in August 2025, indicating his sustained appeal on the international stage. Furthermore, his influence was recognized when Politico named him one of the most powerful people in Europe in December 2023.

Addressing Corruption and Emphasizing Freedom

During his remarks, Zelenskyy also spoke candidly about the challenge of corruption within Ukraine, stressing his commitment to transparency in communication:

“I try to be as open as possible in communication” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

He underscored the paramount importance of freedom for Ukraine, stating that “our freedom is the most important thing.” The President emphasized that “we are not silent,” signaling a determined effort to combat corruption and improve the country's international image.

The poll results and Zelenskyy's comments point to a positive shift in how Ukraine is perceived in the United States. His growing support could play a role in shaping U.S. foreign policy toward Ukraine, reflecting its evolving status as a key partner in matters of global security and democracy.