21.08.2019
Dynamics of the patriotic moods of Ukrainians
- According to a survey conducted by the Rating Group in August 2019, 83% of Ukrainian citizens consider themselves patriots of their country (almost the same as in 2018). 11% hold the opposite view, and 6% were undecided. Compared with previous surveys, this year recorded the highest share of unequivocal answers to this question (60%).
- Across all macro-regions of Ukraine, the share of citizens with patriotic views exceeds 75%: 86% in the West, 85% in the Center, 79% in the East, and 78% in the South.
- Over the course of the surveys, the highest share ever of respondents said they would support the proclamation of Ukraine’s Independence if faced with such a choice today—82% (up from 62% in 2012). 12% would not support it, and 6% were undecided. Support is highest in the West (92%), followed by the Center (85%), South (75%), and East (69%). Opposition is relatively more common in the southern and eastern regions (about 20–23%), as well as among older and lower-income respondents. Support for Independence strongly correlates with patriotic sentiment: the stronger the patriotism, the higher the support.
- Nearly 60% of the population attend public events on Independence Day: 25% do so every year, and 34% attend occasionally. 36% do not attend such events at all, and 5% report that they do not celebrate Independence Day. Attendance is relatively lower among lower-income groups, older respondents, and in the East.
- A significant share of respondents primarily identify themselves as citizens of Ukraine: this rose from 57% in 2010 to 65% in 2019. This year also saw the lowest share of those identifying first as residents of their region/city/village (15%), and a decline in those choosing “just a person” (18%, down from 29% last year). The share identifying by nationality increased slightly (16%). Additionally, 10% primarily identify by family role, 8% as a Soviet person, 7% as a European, 6% as a global citizen, and about 3–4% by religion or profession.
- “Citizen of Ukraine” is the dominant identifier in all regions: 72% in the West, 66% in the Center, 62% in the South, and 51% in the East. This identity is more common among younger respondents and men. Women more often prioritize family-role identification. “Just a person” is more common in the Center and South, while regional and family-role identities are more prevalent in the East. Identification as a Soviet person is more typical in the South and East, among older and lower-income groups. Wealthier respondents more often identify as Europeans, while the youngest are more likely to identify as global citizens.
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: 7-12 August, 2019
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