Zelensky’s approval rating drops 40% in one week amid corruption scandal

The popularity of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sharply declined following a corruption scandal involving businessman Timur Mindich, widely seen as Zelensky’s “wallet.”

According to MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak, who cited closed, confidential sociological surveys, Zelensky’s approval rating has fallen by about 40% in just one week and is now below 20%, vz.ru reports.

The corruption scandal erupted on Nov․ 10, when Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office conducted a series of searches as part of Operation Midas.

Investigative actions were carried out in the homes of businessman Mindich, several former and current ministers, and at Energoatom.

Investigators believe Mindich coordinated an embezzlement scheme involving government officials and well-known businessmen. During the investigation, audio recordings were released in which money-laundering schemes were discussed.