The mainstream media (MSM) has admitted that the popularity of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is tanking, almost three years after the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out in February 2022.
The Times of London revealed the sour sentiment of Ukrainians toward the comedian-turned-chief executive in a Nov. 29 piece. It cited an opinion poll by the Kyiv-based Social Monitoring Center (SMC) that surveyed 1,200 Ukrainians, the results of which were published late last month.
According to the poll, about 60 percent of Ukrainian respondents would prefer Zelensky not stand for reelection. A measly 16 percent, meanwhile, would vote for him in the event he runs for a second term.
Zelensky was elected as president in 2019 after becoming massively popular for his starring role in the TV series "Servant of the People." While his five-year term expired in May, he remains Ukraine's de facto leader as the country suspended its elections until after the end of its war with Russia.
The SMC poll also found that Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi, currently Ukraine's ambassador to the United Kingdom, is the country's most trusted figure. Twenty-seven percent of respondents expressed their desire to vote for the former commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) if he runs for president.
In February, Zelensky dismissed Zaluzhnyi from the AFU following a rumored disagreement over the handling of the war. Zaluzhnyi wasn't entirely out of action, however, as he was later appointed to serve as Ukraine's ambassador to the U.K. in July. (Related: Ukrainian former commander-in-chief warns troops in training to prepare for brutal realities of war, including DYING.)
"Although he has yet to openly declare any political ambitions, [Zaluzhnyi's] appointment to a diplomatic post in London was seen by many analysts as an attempt by Zelensky to sideline him," the Times continued.
Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksandra Ustinova told the newspaper: "It's very difficult to be a popular president when you have had a full-scale war for three years. People are tired and almost everyone has someone who they have lost. That's a huge challenge for Zelensky."
Critics: Zelensky not reacting quickly and efficiently to wartime challenges
According to the Times, Zelensky's critics have accused him of failing to react quickly and efficiently to wartime challenges. They have also slammed him for surrounding himself with people from the Kvartal 95 Studio, the comedy production company Zelensky founded while he was still working in the entertainment industry. Among the personalities from Kvartal 95 now serving in Zelensky's administration include Andriy Yermak, who is currently the chief of staff in the presidential office.
Corruption scandals in the AFU have also tarnished his image, the newspaper added. The country's draconian military mobilization law has also contributed to Zelensky's tanking popularity. But his already dismal rating could go further down the drain if he pushes with the U.S.'s suggestion of lowering the draft age.
A senior official in outgoing President Joe Biden's administration urged Kyiv to lower its age of mobilization from the current 25 to 18. But the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, needs to first vote for the lowering of the draft age. It would only be effective once Zelensky approves it.
"Maintaining popularity in this country is incredibly challenging, particularly during a difficult war," said Ukrainian journalist and author Illia Ponomarenko. "It is a pattern we've seen before."
"We elect a new 'savior of the nation as president with sky-high approval ratings. [And then, we] quickly grow disillusioned and, in the best case, ensure their landslide defeat in the next election."
But Tyler Durden of ZeroHedge wrote that "the 'next election' may be further away than ever, as Zelensky is unlikely to relinquish power as long as the war with Russia continues."
He added: "While the war-weary U.S. and European populations have long ago lost their fascination with Zelensky, … it is less common for the MSM to admit his star power has completely faded."
Head over to UkraineWitness.com for more stories about Volodymyr Zelensky.
Watch this clip from InfoWars about Zelensky absurdly claiming that Ukraine can win against Russia without America's help.
This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.
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