Findings from the Sociological and Marketing Research Center "Socis"
According to a survey conducted by the Sociological and Marketing Research Center "Socis" from March 12 to 18, 2026, Kyrylo Budanov's public trust rating has reached 60.3%. He now shares the top position in the trust ranking with Valerii Zaluzhnyi, with the gap between them being smaller than the survey's statistical margin of error of 1.3%. This marks a significant increase of over 5 percentage points for Budanov compared to the 55% rating recorded in a February 2026 Ipsos poll.
Trust in Other Political Figures
The study also measured trust levels for other prominent figures. Specifically, the ratings are:
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy: 46.3%
- Petro Poroshenko: 19.8%
In a simulated presidential election scenario, Budanov garners 13.7% support among decided voters. When respondents were asked about a potential second-round vote, his support rises to 22.7%. The survey, conducted via face-to-face interviews, used a sample representative of the adult population of Ukraine, excluding temporarily occupied territories. These figures are closely watched as indicators of Ukraine's political landscape during a period of ongoing conflict.
The results of this poll reflect the current state of political sentiment in Ukraine, where Kyrylo Budanov and Valerii Zaluzhnyi enjoy high levels of public trust. This data could be significant for upcoming political processes, particularly as the next presidential election approaches.
As the political landscape evolves, understanding the broader context of public sentiment is crucial. Recent polling highlights not only Budanov's rise but also identifies the leading contenders for the presidency alongside him and Zelenskyy. For a deeper insight into the dynamics shaping Ukraine's political future, explore the latest findings on the top three candidates in the race for leadership.