Think Ukraine conducted a local sociological study titled “Public Attitudes in Kyiv Toward Current Socio-Political Issues,” aimed at analyzing the mood within the capital. The survey revealed that despite relative stability, Kyiv is experiencing growing demand for political renewal and a tougher response to corruption scandals.
The main political paradox of the capital remains Vitali Klitschko. Although 63.6% of Kyiv residents consider him primarily responsible for the functioning of the city, electoral sentiment indicates a deep divide. At present, the share of those ready to vote for “anyone but Klitschko” (45.3%) exceeds the share of his loyal supporters (38.5%). Public perceptions of the mayor’s performance are sharply polarized: for some, it represents “effective governance” (17.6%), while for others it is associated with “corruption at all levels” (16.0%).
Society demonstrates zero tolerance for corruption during wartime. An overwhelming majority of Kyiv residents (73.9%) support criminal investigations against city council officials, believing that corrupt actors must be held accountable under the law. Only 12.8% are inclined to view these cases as political pressure against the mayor. Moreover, 47.7% of respondents to varying degrees support the idea of removing Vitali Klitschko from office due to corruption scandals. A legislative initiative banning individuals from running for mayor after serving two consecutive terms also enjoys high public support (64.2%).
Against the backdrop of declining trust in traditional politicians, there is a growing demand for people with military experience. The unquestionable leaders in public trust among Kyiv residents remain military figures: Valerii Zaluzhnyi (trust balance +62.3%) and Kyrylo Budanov (+56.2%). This trend is also reflected in attitudes toward local governance: 60.3% of Kyiv residents view the appointment of veterans to senior city positions positively, while 63.4% would consider voting for a hypothetical “military party” in Kyiv City Council elections.
Despite these critical attitudes, residents of the capital remain pragmatic regarding the electoral process. A total of 64.3% believe that elections in Kyiv should only be held after the end of the war and the lifting of martial law.
