Researchers from the Rating Group conducted a national survey ahead of Independence Day 2025! What do Ukrainians associate with independence and unity? And what, on the contrary, divides us?

The survey was conducted using a special methodology on the Rating Online platform. This allows us to compare the responses of Ukrainians at home with the opinions of Ukrainians who have moved to Europe since 2022.

What unites and divides Ukrainians

• The victories of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are a key factor in unity today (55%). Ukrainians rally around their defenders and the preservation of the state.
• In second place is mutual assistance (more than a third of respondents).
• The reconstruction of the country also has significant potential for unity. It was identified by about a third of Ukrainians abroad and at home.
• Mutual accusations (57%), political conflicts (52%), and the economic crisis (37%) are most likely to divide society.
• Ukrainians in Europe place relatively more emphasis on mutual accusations (68%) and language issues (34%) as factors of division.

Events and symbols of independence

• Along with the 1991 declaration (51%), Ukrainians mention the resistance of 2022 (51%), the events of the Anti-Terrorist Operation/Joint Forces Operation (42%), and the Revolution of Dignity (47%) as the most important events in the formation of the modern nation. This is a common thread: from the proclamation to the establishment of independence.
• Ukrainians in Europe are relatively more likely to mention obtaining EU candidate status as a significant event (22% compared to 15% in Ukraine).
• Independence Day is most often associated with the slogan “Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!” both at home and among Ukrainians abroad. The ideas of freedom, resilience, unity, and dignity are also frequently mentioned.

EU and NATO membership

• The majority of Ukrainians support EU (75%) and NATO (71%) membership.
• Among Ukrainians who have been forced to leave the country since 2022 and are now in Europe, this support is even stronger (83% and 78%).

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Rating Group is one of Ukraine's largest research institutions, operating since 2008. The company is registered in Ukraine and has extensive experience in conducting sociological surveys in Ukraine and abroad. The group includes: Sociological Group Rating, Rating Lab research laboratory, Rating Online platform, and Rating Call Center.