20.11.2018
Dynamics of attitude towards the Holodomor
- According to a survey conducted by the Rating Group, 79% of citizens believe that the Holodomor of 1932–1933 was a genocide of the Ukrainian people. This view is shared by an absolute majority of residents in the western and central parts of the country (92% and 83% respectively), as well as by a relative majority in the South and East (69% and 67%). Support for this position is more common among rural residents, younger respondents, and those who speak Ukrainian at home. In long-term dynamics since 2010, the share of those who recognize the Holodomor as genocide has increased by about one third.
- A positive attitude toward the recognition of the Holodomor of 1932–1933 as genocide by the U.S. Senate is expressed by 69% of respondents, while 62% believe that Ukraine should continue to seek international recognition of the Holodomor as genocide. Both initiatives receive stronger support among residents of the western and central macro-regions, people from rural areas, and Ukrainian-speaking respondents.
- Sixty-eight percent of respondents stated that they would light a candle this year on the Day of Remembrance of the Holodomor victims in memory of those who died of starvation, while 21% said they would not do so. This initiative is most strongly supported in the West and Center (84% and 70% respectively). At the same time, more than half of respondents in the South and East also said they would take part in this commemorative action.
- When asked about responsibility for organizing the Holodomor, respondents most often blamed Joseph Stalin personally (47%, compared to 42% in 2008) and the central leadership of the USSR as a whole (39%, compared to 38% in 2008). Another 28% (23% in 2008) placed responsibility on the Soviet punitive agencies (NKVD, GPU), while 23% (17% in 2008) blamed the top leadership of Soviet Ukraine. Only 3% said that Ukrainian peasants (“kulaks”) who allegedly refused to hand over grain voluntarily were responsible. Fewer than 5% adhere to the view that the Holodomor was caused by natural factors (11% in 2008). Respondents from western and central regions more often pointed to Stalin’s personal responsibility, while residents of the West, Center, and East more frequently mentioned Soviet law enforcement and state institutions. Respondents from the South were less likely than others to blame Soviet leaders and more often hesitated or pointed to unfavorable natural conditions as the cause.
- Over the past ten years, support for the idea of holding a trial against those responsible for the Holodomor has increased from 37% to 48%, while support for initiatives to provide compensation to genocide victims and their families has grown from 46% to 63%. As with previous statements, these initiatives enjoy greater support in the West and Center, among rural residents, and among Ukrainian-speaking respondents.
- Among historical figures, respondents expressed the most positive attitudes toward Bohdan Khmelnytsky (73%) and Mykhailo Hrushevsky (68%). In addition, 53% expressed a positive attitude toward Ivan Mazepa.
- Positive attitudes toward Leonid Brezhnev and Peter I were reported by 47% and 43% respectively (with negative attitudes at 39% and 26%). Stepan Bandera is viewed positively by 36% and negatively by 34%, while attitudes toward Symon Petliura are evenly split, with 30% positive and 30% negative.
- Respondents tend to view Vladimir Lenin and Mikhail Gorbachev more negatively than positively (about one quarter express positive views, while 51–52% hold negative views). The most negative attitudes are expressed toward Joseph Stalin, with 21% positive and 58% negative.
- Over the past six years, attitudes toward Ukrainian historical figures have generally improved. Attitudes toward Stalin and Lenin have remained largely unchanged, while attitudes toward Peter I have deteriorated. Significant regional differences are observed in perceptions of Russian and Soviet historical figures, who are viewed much more favorably in the southeastern regions, with the exception of Gorbachev, who is viewed more positively in the West. Conversely, figures such as Petliura and Bandera are viewed more positively in the West. Khmelnytsky and Hrushevsky receive similarly positive evaluations across all regions of Ukraine.
Methodology
- Audience: residents of Ukraine aged 18 and older. The sample is representative in terms of age, gender, region, and settlement type.
- Total sample: 2000 respondents.
- Personal formalized interview (face-to-face).
- The margin of error does not exceed 2.2%.
- Fieldwork dates: 20-29 October 2018.
.webp)
