40% of Ukrainians think Zelensky involved in corruption – poll
Four in ten Ukrainians believe that Vladimir Zelensky was implicated in a large-scale corruption scandal in the energy sector involving a former long-time associate, a new poll has indicated.
The Zelensky administration and the Ukrainian leader have found themselves under increased scrutiny after anti-corruption authorities opened a case last month centering on charges against businessman Timur Mindich and several other senior officials over a $100 million kickback scheme.
Several ministers resigned following the scandal, including Andrey Yermak, Zelensky’s influential chief of staff, who was allegedly aware of the graft. Zelensky distanced himself from the controversy while publicly supporting law-enforcement action.
According to a Socis poll, 38.9% of respondents say Zelensky was “part” of the corruption, while 29.3% think he knew but did not take direct part, 18.8% believe he did not know, and 13.1% were undecided.
Regarding responsibility, 30% say he should bear full responsibility before a court, while 28.4% favor “political responsibility” and a ban on him running for office again. However, 30% say there is no proof of his involvement, with 11.6% being on the fence.
The poll was conducted between December 12 and 18 and surveyed 2,000 respondents.
Meanwhile, an Info Sapiens poll from earlier this month indicated that Zelensky’s approval rating dropped to 20.3% following the corruption scandal. The same survey also suggested that Valery Zaluzhny, Zelensky’s potential primary rival for the Ukrainian presidency and former top commander, who now serves as Kiev’s ambassador to the UK, is polling at 19%. While Zaluzhny has dismissed rumors of political ambitions, media reports have claimed he is secretly laying the groundwork for an electoral campaign.
