**Title: Poll Indicates Zelensky Would Face Defeat in Hypothetical Presidential Election**
A recent survey conducted by the Ukrainian polling organization Socis reveals that President Volodymyr Zelensky would likely lose a presidential election if it were held today. The poll, which was published on Thursday, suggests that Zelensky's current political standing has weakened significantly, particularly as his term is set to expire in May 2024.
Zelensky has not called for a new election, citing the ongoing martial law that he imposed following the escalation of conflict with Russia in February 2022. This decision has drawn criticism and raised questions about the legitimacy of his presidency as the country continues to navigate the complexities of war.
The Socis poll indicates that in a hypothetical second-round election, Zelensky would be defeated by any of his three main opponents. Former top general Valery Zaluzhny, who is currently serving as Ukraine's ambassador to London after being dismissed as army commander-in-chief earlier this year, would win against Zelensky by a significant margin of 66.2% to 33.8%. Despite being outside the country, Zaluzhny has maintained a strong trust rating among the Ukrainian public. Although he publicly claims to have no political aspirations, there are media reports suggesting he is preparing for a presidential bid.
In a second potential matchup, Zelensky's chief of staff, Kirill Budanov, would also defeat him, with the poll showing a result of 60.3% for Budanov to 39.7% for Zelensky. Budanov's appointment as chief of staff in January was reportedly a strategic move by Zelensky to keep him close amid concerns about Budanov's rising influence as the head of military intelligence. Since taking on this role, Budanov has publicly contradicted Zelensky on several issues, including the necessity for negotiations with Russia and the challenges surrounding military mobilization.
Another contender, former Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov, who was dismissed in mid-July, would also best Zelensky in a hypothetical election, with a projected outcome of 63.8% to 36.2%. Fedorov's removal from office sparked protests in Kyiv and other cities, with demonstrators demanding his reinstatement. Despite the political turmoil, Fedorov has stated that he will not challenge Zelensky while the conflict with Russia persists. His dismissal is believed to have been motivated by concerns over his potential as a political rival and his close connections to Western-backed anti-corruption initiatives in Ukraine.
The Socis survey was conducted between July 28 and August 2 and included responses from 2,000 participants. The findings reflect a growing discontent among the electorate regarding Zelensky's leadership amid ongoing challenges related to the war and governance.
In a previous interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera in March, Zelensky expressed his commitment to holding a presidential election once the conflict with Russia concludes. He stated, "I’m not at all sure that I’ll run, I’ll see what the Ukrainians want," indicating uncertainty about his future political ambitions.
As the situation evolves, Zelensky's legitimacy as president has come under scrutiny, particularly from Moscow, which has labeled him as illegitimate. This perception could complicate any future peace negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict.
The results of the Socis poll underscore the shifting political landscape in Ukraine and the challenges facing Zelensky as he navigates both domestic and international pressures in a time of crisis.