Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's approval rating has risen notably following recent criticisms from U.S. President Donald Trump. A poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), conducted between February 14 and March 4, indicates that 67% of Ukrainians now trust Zelensky, up from 57% in the previous month. 

The surge in support appears linked to a heated exchange between the two leaders during a February 28 Oval Office meeting, which ended in a public dispute over security guarantees for Ukraine and the cancellation of a U.S.-Ukraine mineral agreement signing. Following this incident, many Ukrainians rallied behind Zelensky, viewing him as a defender of national interests. 

Trump had labeled Zelensky a "dictator without elections" and falsely claimed his approval rating was as low as 4%. In response, Zelensky accused Trump of residing in a Russian "disinformation bubble." 

Despite these tensions, Zelensky's popularity has increased, with support consistent across most of Ukraine, though slightly lower (around 60%) in the eastern regions closer to the front lines. 

This uptick in approval suggests that Ukrainians are uniting in support of their president amid external criticisms and ongoing conflict with Russia