Edith Hejberg
KIIS found that nearly three-quarters of respondents believe Trump holding the U.S. presidency would be detrimental for Ukraine.
A new national survey indicates that most Ukrainians continue to view the prospect of Donald Trump serving as U.S. president unfavourably, reflecting persistent concerns about future American support for Kyiv.
The findings come from a poll conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) from November 26 to December 29, 2025 by telephone and 1001 people living in areas under Ukrainian control were surveyed.
Under typical conditions (not war), KIIS notes that a sample of this size has a margin of error of roughly 4.1%.
Public sentiment shows little movement
KIIS found that nearly three-quarters of respondents believe Trump holding the U.S. presidency would be detrimental for Ukraine.
The share of those who think his leadership would benefit the country remains low, with only 14% expressing a positive view. According to European Pravda, these numbers have shifted only slightly since mid-2024, suggesting Ukrainian attitudes on the issue have largely stabilised.
Trust in Western partners shifts unevenly
The poll also illustrates broader changes in Ukrainians’ confidence in international allies. KIIS reported a notable decline in trust in both the United States and NATO compared with the end of 2024, while views of the European Union remain comparatively positive.
Analysts say this divergence reflects ongoing uncertainty over Western security commitments and political transitions abroad.
Broader context for the findings
The results were released shortly after the meeting of the so-called Coalition of the Willing in Paris on 6 January. The final declaration from that gathering did not include earlier draft language referencing possible U.S. support for a multinational force in Ukraine should Russia attempt a renewed large-scale invasion.
Moreover, the United States did not formally sign the document. Those omissions, observers say, have intensified public debate in Ukraine about Washington’s long-term reliability, a backdrop that may help explain the survey’s findings.
Sources: European Pravda, Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, Reuters
