Negative perceptions of Donald Trump’s presidency in Ukraine surged from 21% in December to 73% in March, according to a new survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS).
The survey, conducted between February and March 2025, examined Ukrainian attitudes toward Western policy, differentiating between Europe, the United States and Trump.
The most striking change in public opinion was the drop in optimism about the U.S. president’s role in Ukraine. In December, 54% of Ukrainians believed his administration would positively influence the country. By March, that number had plummeted to just 19%.
The results also suggest a growing divide in Ukrainian perceptions of Europe and the United States.
While 64% of respondents consider Europe a reliable ally in supporting a fair peace, only 24% view the U.S. in the same way. Meanwhile, 67% believe Washington is pressuring Kyiv into making concessions.
KIIS has tracked Ukrainian attitudes toward Western support since 2022. While skepticism about Europe’s commitment grew from 15% in September 2022 to 44% by February 2024, confidence rebounded in early 2025, with only 31% expressing doubts.
Similarly, belief in overall Western support declined from 73% in 2022 to 49% in early 2024, before recovering to 62% by March 2025—suggesting renewed trust in Europe’s role in aiding Ukraine.
The prospect of Trump brokering a peace deal has become an increasing concern for Ukrainians. In December, 31% feared he would push for an unfavorable settlement. By February–March, that figure had risen to 58%.
Meanwhile, belief that he would support a fair peace agreement fell from 31% to just 18% over the same period.
KIIS analyst Anton Hrushetskyi said: “For Ukraine, maintaining constructive and partnership-based relations with Europe and the United States is a vital necessity.
“For the average Ukrainian, such changes in the rhetoric and actions of U.S. officials are especially painful. A number of observers rightly point out that current events may lay the foundation for anti-Americanism in Ukraine.
“It is important that this is not currently being passed on to Europe, which continues to be perceived primarily as a partner and ally of Ukraine,” he added.
The most striking change in public opinion was the drop in optimism about the U.S. president’s role in Ukraine. In December, 54% of Ukrainians believed his administration would positively influence the country. By March, that number had plummeted to just 19%.
The results also suggest a growing divide in Ukrainian perceptions of Europe and the United States.
While 64% of respondents consider Europe a reliable ally in supporting a fair peace, only 24% view the U.S. in the same way. Meanwhile, 67% believe Washington is pressuring Kyiv into making concessions.
Shifting perceptions of Western support
KIIS has tracked Ukrainian attitudes toward Western support since 2022. While skepticism about Europe’s commitment grew from 15% in September 2022 to 44% by February 2024, confidence rebounded in early 2025, with only 31% expressing doubts.
Similarly, belief in overall Western support declined from 73% in 2022 to 49% in early 2024, before recovering to 62% by March 2025—suggesting renewed trust in Europe’s role in aiding Ukraine.
Trump and peace negotiations
The prospect of Trump brokering a peace deal has become an increasing concern for Ukrainians. In December, 31% feared he would push for an unfavorable settlement. By February–March, that figure had risen to 58%.
Meanwhile, belief that he would support a fair peace agreement fell from 31% to just 18% over the same period.
Expert analysis
KIIS analyst Anton Hrushetskyi said: “For Ukraine, maintaining constructive and partnership-based relations with Europe and the United States is a vital necessity.
“For the average Ukrainian, such changes in the rhetoric and actions of U.S. officials are especially painful. A number of observers rightly point out that current events may lay the foundation for anti-Americanism in Ukraine.
“It is important that this is not currently being passed on to Europe, which continues to be perceived primarily as a partner and ally of Ukraine,” he added.
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