A hypothetical runoff in a Ukrainian presidential election suggests former Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valery Zaluzhnyi—currently Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK—would ultimately defeat President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to new polling data.
Among voters who have made up their minds and intend to participate, Zelensky is ahead with 30.9%, followed closely by Zaluzhnyi with 27.7%. Former President Petro Poroshenko ranks third.
When all respondents are included, including those who have not yet decided who they would vote for, Zelensky maintains the lead with 21.8%, while Zaluzhnyi secures 19.6%.
Yet the balance shifts significantly in a potential runoff scenario. Among decided voters, Zaluzhnyi would win with 60.5% to Zelensky’s 39.5%. Across the broader sample of all respondents, Zaluzhnyi would still lead, with 41.4% support compared to Zelensky’s 27%.
Zaluzhnyi also emerges as the top “second choice” candidate, the favored fallback option should respondents’ first-choice candidate not run.
Zelensky previously regained a lead over Zaluzhnyi in overall presidential rankings around March 2025, but the latest poll underscores how volatile the political landscape remains.
