Poll Shows Budanov Narrows Trust Gap with Zaluzhnyi

Trust Ratings for Kyrylo Budanov and Valerii Zaluzhnyi

According to Главком: According to a January poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), Head of the Office of the President Kyrylo Budanov has significantly closed the gap in public trust with former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhnyi. The survey results indicate that 70% of Ukrainian respondents trust Budanov, reflecting his rising popularity among the population.

At the same time, trust in Valerii Zaluzhnyi remains high, with 72% of respondents stating they trust him. This narrows the difference in trust between the two figures to just 2 percentage points. Both men have achieved a positive trust-distrust balance of +51%, pointing to substantial public support for each.

Survey Methodology

The poll was conducted from January 9 to 14, 2026, and involved 601 respondents. The formal statistical margin of error does not exceed 5.3%, indicating the data's reliability. The research was carried out using the Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) method, which provided timely insights into public opinion.

These findings suggest both figures command significant public backing, which could influence their political activities and strategies amid Ukraine's current challenges. Budanov's rising trust likely reflects positive perceptions of his performance in office, while Zaluzhnyi's consistently high rating underscores enduring public support for military leaders. For an English-speaking audience, it's important to note that these two individuals are among Ukraine's most prominent public figures, and their public standing is closely watched as an indicator of political and social sentiment within the country. This dynamic may prove a crucial factor in shaping future political alliances and national decisions.