New Polling Data Reveals Zelenskyy Maintains Presidential Lead While Budanov Emerges as Primary Alternative

New Socis polling shows Zelenskyy at 22.6% and Zaluzhny at 19.3% in presidential ratings, with Kyrylo Budanov emerging as the top alternative choice.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 26, 2026, 7:06 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Interfax-Ukraine

Current Standing of Political Leadership in Ukraine

The latest electoral sentiment analysis conducted between March 12 and 18, 2026, positions incumbent President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the top of the national presidential rating. With 22.6% of all respondents and 29.3% of decided voters favoring his leadership, the President maintains a distinct advantage over his closest political rivals. This data suggests a consistent level of public trust in the current administration, even as the nation navigates the complexities of prolonged conflict and international diplomatic negotiations.

The Enduring Popularity of Military Figures

Valeriy Zaluzhny, the former Commander-in-Chief and current Ambassador to the United Kingdom, continues to command significant public support, securing 19.3% of the overall vote. Among those who have already decided on a candidate, Zaluzhny’s support rises to 25%, placing him firmly in the second position behind the incumbent President. His high standing reflects a broader trend within the Ukrainian electorate that values experienced military leadership and strategic expertise, particularly given his prior role in organizing the nation's defense.

Budanov as the Strategic Alternative Candidate

The study introduces a compelling dynamic regarding the "second choice" preferences of the Ukrainian public, where Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Office of the President, has emerged as a formidable figure. While he currently holds third place in the general rating with 10.5%, the poll indicates that 22.7% of voters would pivot to Budanov if their first-choice candidate was unavailable. This suggests that Budanov holds a unique cross-sectional appeal that could potentially reshape the electoral landscape in a hypothetical scenario where the top two leaders do not compete.