(MENAFN) A fresh opinion poll indicates that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky would lose in a direct presidential contest to both the current head of military intelligence, Kirill Budanov, and the former top military commander, Valery Zaluzhny.

The findings reflect a continuing decline in Zelensky’s political support amid ongoing national challenges.

Despite increasing pressure, Zelensky has consistently dismissed the possibility of holding elections, pointing to martial law imposed due to the ongoing war with Russia.

His position remains legally complex, as his presidential mandate officially expired last year. Under Ukraine’s constitution, such a situation would typically require a transfer of presidential authority to the head of parliament. Meanwhile, Russia has described Zelensky as “illegitimate.”

According to a survey conducted in early October by the Kiev-based RATE1 agency and released on Monday, Zelensky’s popularity is fading.

The poll included 1,200 participants and tested various electoral matchups. When matched directly against Budanov, 33% of those surveyed expressed support for the intelligence chief, compared to 32.5% for the current president.

A separate scenario between Zelensky and Zaluzhny—now serving as Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK—showed a more significant gap.

In this case, 42.6% of respondents favored the retired general, while only 26.3% backed Zelensky. If Zaluzhny were to face Budanov in a head-to-head race, the former would win comfortably, receiving 44.5% versus 22%.

Even in a wider first-round election involving several contenders, Zelensky would still lead among voters who have made up their minds, but his total backing would remain below one-third, the poll reveals.

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