Lukashenko Claims Widespread Discontent Among Ukrainians Towards Zelensky

According to SAEDNEWS, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has voiced strong criticism of the Ukrainian government, asserting that it is increasingly disconnected from its people, who do not wish to die in the conflict with Russia. In an interview with Russia 1 TV released on Sunday, Lukashenko claimed that President Volodymyr Zelensky has lost the support of a significant portion of the population.

“Kyiv’s neo-Nazi ideology does not resonate with the population of the country,” Lukashenko stated, adding, “There are no longer any Nazis,” and arguing that any remaining nationalists no longer influence Ukraine’s political landscape. He maintained that the country has undergone a process of “denazification,” which he described as one of Moscow’s objectives in its military operation.

According to Lukashenko, around 70% of Ukrainians "hate Zelensky because he promises one thing and does another; because people are dying." While he did not provide specifics to back his claims, he noted that Belarus has seen a significant influx of Ukrainians of fighting age who are “fleeing from the war” with their families. "Out of them, 99% are men who do not want to fight," he added, stating that Belarus provides some of them with work and accommodation, while others continue on to Western nations.

Recent polling by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology reveals growing discontent among Ukrainians under Zelensky’s leadership. As of early June, roughly 43% believe that democracy is in decline, with 28% blaming the government and 11% pointing to the ongoing conflict as the primary cause. Nearly half of respondents reported worsening economic conditions, particularly regarding governmental transparency and fairness toward businesses.

Despite his term officially expiring on May 20, Zelensky remains in power after canceling this year's election, citing the martial law imposed due to the ongoing war. Russian President Vladimir Putin has questioned Zelensky's legitimacy, suggesting it has expired. Reports from the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) indicate that prior to the conclusion of his term, Zelensky's approval rating had fallen to 17%, with over 70% of the public expressing distrust in Ukrainian media and around 90% wanting to leave the country. This discontent has raised alarms among Kyiv’s Western allies.