The Rating Sociological Group has launched a series of periodic national sociological surveys. They concern various aspects of the life of Ukrainians during the war (general state of affairs, vision of the future, perception of the region, factors of social unity and division, etc.).

In the first wave (November 20 – December 4, 2024), a combined survey was conducted. It consisted of two stages:

   
1. CATI (telephone) survey: nationwide sample (2,000 respondents) + additional subsamples for 9 near-frontline and border regions (400 respondents each). 5,600 respondents in total.
   
2. Focus groups with respondents.

General state of affairs, challenges, and expectations

   
• Among Ukrainians, criticism in assessments of the general state of affairs is growing: about half (49%) of respondents believe that the situation in the country is developing in the wrong direction (35% believe that it is developing in the right direction).
   
• Most Ukrainians speak of a negative changes in several contexts over the past year: in the economic (80%), political (62%) situation of the country, the financial situation of the family (60%), the cohesion of Ukrainians (55%), and the state of health (54%).
   
• Among the main threats, respondents most often name economic (price increases – 33%, economic crisis – 32%), as well as security (more severe shelling – 27%, further occupation of territories – 25%).
   
• The general emotional state of Ukrainians is primarily influenced by the experience of losing a loved one (40%), health and physical well-being (31%), financial situation (29%), security situation (28%), news and events in Ukraine and the mobilization of loved ones and relatives to the Armed Forces of Ukraine (23% each). 
   
• Despite significant difficulties, the majority of citizens remain optimistic about the future of Ukraine (71%) and continue to believe in Ukraine's ability to repel a Russian attack (69%). And in general, respondents mainly feel positive emotions about Ukraine: hope (68%) and pride (44%). This indicates a high level of patriotism and resilience of citizens.

Perception of the region and plans to move

• In their region, respondents most positively assess the comfort of living (75%), leisure (65%), affordability of school and preschool education (63%).
   
• Respondents mostly have negative perceptions of the opportunities for young people in the region (56% say there is a shortage), finding a job (51%), feeling of security (51%), and salary (48%).
   
• Despite all the challenges of the war, the absolute majority of respondents (81%) do not plan to move from their region. However, among young people aged 18-29, almost 40% expressed their intention to leave their region in the future while 14% intend to move to another country.

Factors of unity and division in the society

• The factors of unity and division of Ukrainians somewhat mirror each other. For example, the fight against corruption (50%) and economic prosperity (44%) can unite, whereas the growth of corruption (58%) and economic decline (49%) can divide.
   
• Other significant factors of disunity may be political elections (29%) and different experiences during the war (28%).
   
• In contrast, respondents consider recovery (37%) as another important factor uniting Ukrainians.

Civic participation

• The absolute majority of respondents (76%) express readiness to participate in changes in the country.
   
• Respondents are most interested in information about the fight against corruption (52%) and the course of the war (34%).
   
• A significant share (79%) state that they are interested in the situation in the occupied territories (this is especially common among residents of frontline and border regions). On the other hand, half of the respondents (52%) believe that the media do not provide enough information about living conditions in the occupied territories.