• According to the results of the Twenty-fourth nationwide survey «Ukraine in the conditions of war», conducted by the Sociological Group "Rating" on the initiative of the "Ukrainian Veteran Fund" under the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine on September 5 to 7, 2023, 49% of respondents stated that among their close relatives and closed ones, there are those who have participated in military actions on the territory of Ukraine from 2014 to 2021. 65% have close relatives who have been or are currently serving on the front lines, starting from February 24, 2022. In comparison with previous surveys, e number of those whose close relatives are currently serving on the frontlines has increased. 

• In society, the highest levels of trust in military personnel continue to be recorded: 94% trust the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 94% trust veterans of the current war, and 93% trust veterans of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO, now known as OOS) from 2014-2021. Regardless of region or age, an absolute majority of the population trusts these categories of people. 
 

• Comparison to the survey conducted at the beginning of 2023 current results show an increase in the number of those who associate war veterans with young people: in January of this year, it was 21%, and in September, it rose to 26%. There is also noticeable growth in the association of the concept of “war veteran” with a person with a disability: in January, it was 29%, and in September, it reached 47%. In general, speaking about the main characteristics of the image of Russian-Ukrainian war veterans, 53% of respondents perceive them as middle-aged individuals. Additionally, respondents do not see a gender difference in the conception of “veteran” – the past majority (80%) believe that representatives of both genders can be veterans. At the same time, over the course of 9 month, the percentage of those who associate veterans exclusively with men has increased (from 13% to 20%). 

• Among the risky phenomena that veterans of the Russian-Ukrainian war may encounter upon returning from service, the top concerns include psychoemotional instability, physical health problems, difficulties in accessing medical assistance, the absence of inclusive spaces and adapted workplaces for individuals with disabilities, as well as issues related to obtaining social benefits. The respondents also consider the following issues to be quite likely: conflicts within the family, unemployment, society’s lack of understanding, the mismatch between military experience and civilian life, and substance abuse, such as alcohol or drugs. More than half of the respondents view these problems as probable to some extent. Regarding risks of suicide and breaking the law, the vast majority (about two-thirds) believe these are unlikely for veterans. However, compared to the survey conducted in January 2023, there has been an increase in the number of those who perceive risks related to unemployment, family conflicts, substance abuse, and law-breaking. Close relatives of veterans who have been engaged in combat since 2014 and are currently serving tend to experience these issues more acutely.  

• The number of those who believe that the state fulfills its obligation to veterans of the Russian-Ukrainian war continues to decrease: in August 2022, there were 69% of such individuals, in January 2023 – 53%, and in September 2023 – 33%. Today, almost half (49%) of those surveyed hold a different opinion. Criticism of the state’s performance in fulfilling its responsibilities to veterans is most frequently voiced be individuals residing in western regions, members of the younger generation, and those with higher financial stability. Interestingly enough, the belief in the state not fulfilling its obligation is more prevalent among those who do not have close relatives in the war or have relatives currently serving.  

• 79% of respondents believe that society today respects veterans. However, compared to the survey conducted in January 2023, their number has decreased (there were 91% of such individuals). Today, 18% hold an opposing opinion. There are more of such individuals among residents of western regions, middle-aged individuals, and respondents with lower income levels.   

• 96% of all respondents stated that they are willing to work in the same team as veteran.  

• The number of those who indicated they are well or fairly informed about veterans’ issues has increased.  (53%). 46% – indicated they are not informed. There are more of latter among residents of eastern regions, older individuals, those who do not have military personnel in their surroundings, and women.  

The survey was conducted on the initiative of the "Ukrainian Veteran Fund" of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine. Funded by the Sociological Group "Rating"