News and Press releases

• According to the results of the survey conducted by the Rating Group during December 13–17, 2019, 40% of respondents believe that the country is moving in the right direction, 38% believe it is moving in the wrong direction, and 22% were unable to assess the situation. Over the past two weeks, there has been an increase in positive assessments (from 33% to 40%) and a decrease in negative ones (from 48% to 38%). As a result, the indicators returned to the level recorded in October. Relatively more optimism regarding the situation in the country is observed among residents of the South region, younger respondents, and voters of the Servant of the People party.
• Over the past two weeks, the level of satisfaction with the performance of President Zelenskyy increased from 53% to 62%, while dissatisfaction decreased from 33% to 25%.
• Regarding the performance of the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Razumkov, 36% of respondents are satisfied and the same share are dissatisfied, while one quarter were unable to assess his work. At the same time, assessments of the Parliament’s performance are lower: 29% evaluated its work positively, 51% negatively, and 21% were unable to assess it.
• A similar trend is observed in the assessment of the Government’s performance: satisfaction with the activity of Prime Minister Honcharuk is relatively higher than with the work of the Cabinet of Ministers as a whole. Thirty-five percent expressed satisfaction with the Prime Minister’s performance, 35% were dissatisfied, and 30% were unable to assess it. Twenty-nine percent are satisfied with the work of the Cabinet of Ministers, 45% are dissatisfied, and one quarter did not answer this question. Over the past month, the level of satisfaction with the performance of the Prime Minister and the Verkhovna Rada has increased slightly.
• One third of Ukrainian respondents believe that, overall, President Zelenskyy’s actions during the year had more successes than failures. Forty-one percent said that successes and failures were balanced, and only 14% stated that failures prevailed in his work. This latter view is most common among voters of the European Solidarity party. At the same time, when assessing the activities of the Cabinet of Ministers and the Verkhovna Rada, respondents were more critical: about one quarter believe that there were more failures, around 40% said that successes and failures were balanced, and only about 10% believe that successes prevailed. More critical assessments of these institutions were observed among voters of all parliamentary parties except Servant of the People, although even among its supporters neutral assessments dominated.
• As of mid-December, the leader of electoral sympathies is the Servant of the People party, supported by almost 48% of those who have decided and intend to participate in elections. The Opposition Platform – For Life party is supported by 11.4%, European Solidarity by 9.0%, Batkivshchyna by 7.8%, and Voice by 4.4%. Support for other political forces is below 3%. About 16% remain undecided.
• Trust ratings among Ukrainians are led by V. Zelenskyy, who is trusted by 67% of respondents and not trusted by 25%. He is followed by D. Razumkov (28% trust and 44% distrust) and S. Vakarchuk (28% and 59%). Further positions are held by Y. Boyko (23% and 58%), O. Honcharuk (22% and 44%), and Y. Tymoshenko (19% and 74%).
• Sixty-six percent of respondents stated that they are well informed about the Normandy Format summit held on December 9. Among them, about 40% consider the summit results rather a success of President Zelenskyy, half consider them neither a success nor a failure, and only 7% saw exclusively negative results. Twenty percent heard something about the summit, while 12% know nothing about it. Older respondents, voters of European Solidarity and the Opposition Platform – For Life are the most informed.
• After the Paris summit, Ukrainians improved their attitudes toward German Chancellor Merkel, with positive perceptions increasing from 60% to 69%, and toward French President Macron, from 39% to 52%. As a result, Merkel for the first time in the past five years topped the рейтинг of world leaders in assessments by Ukrainians, surpassing Belarusian President Lukashenka, who is viewed positively by 65% of respondents. Attitudes toward Russian President Putin remained unchanged: 16% positive and 72% negative.
• Assessments of Macron and Merkel are relatively evenly distributed across regions and electoral groups. In contrast, attitudes toward Lukashenka and Putin show clear differences: trust in the latter is significantly higher in the South and East regions. Supporters of European Solidarity and Voice trust Lukashenka somewhat less, while supporters of the Opposition Platform – For Life trust him more; the latter are also the only supporters among parliamentary party voters who trust Putin.
• Over the past month, the share of respondents who consider Russia an aggressor country toward Ukraine increased from 64% to 70%. Twenty-one percent hold the opposite view, most commonly in the South and especially the East regions, as well as among supporters of the Opposition Platform – For Life.
• Almost two thirds of respondents support diplomatic ways of resolving the Donbas issue: 38% support ending hostilities and recognizing the territories as temporarily occupied and freezing the conflict, while 22% support granting these territories autonomous status within Ukraine. Only 8% support their complete separation. At the same time, 16% support continuing military actions until full restoration of Ukrainian control over Donbas. Over the past month, the number of supporters of a military solution has slightly decreased, being highest among supporters of European Solidarity and lowest among supporters of the Opposition Platform – For Life.
• One quarter of respondents believe that establishing peace in Donbas will take less than one year, one third believe it will take from one to five years, and 16% believe it will take more than five years. Only 7% believe that peace in the occupied Donbas is impossible. Regarding the full return of the occupied territories, opinions differ: 22% believe it will take more than five years, one third estimate one to five years, and only 14% believe it will take less than one year. Nine percent believe that the occupied territories in the East of Ukraine cannot be returned. Residents of the East region more often believe in a quick establishment of peace, while assessments of reintegration timelines are less optimistic.
• In December, support for the pro-European vector of the country’s development increased: 60% support Ukraine’s accession to the European Union (57% in November), and 52% support accession to NATO (48% in November). Clear regional differences persist in foreign policy orientation: supporters of a pro-Western course are more prevalent in the West and Center regions, while opponents dominate in the South and East regions. Among residents of the south-eastern regions, support prevails for the idea of equidistance from Russia and the West, or for pro-Russian orientations.

• According to the results of the survey conducted by the Rating Group in Kyiv during December 12–16, 2019, 36% of Kyiv residents believe that affairs in the city are moving in the right direction, 38% believe they are moving in the wrong direction, and 27% were unable to decide on this issue.
• Parks and public gardens (70%), road conditions (45%), and public transport (30%) are the areas in which Kyiv residents relatively more often observed improvements over the past five years. At the same time, in the opinion of residents of the capital, the situation has significantly worsened with regard to combating illegal gambling businesses (38% believe it has worsened and only 7% believe it has improved), illegal construction (48% and 7%), parking (49% and 5%), and street congestion and traffic jams (55% and 5%).
• While a relative majority of respondents consider parks and public gardens (38%), road quality (22%), the arrangement of recreation areas (21%), and sports facilities (20%) to be achievements of the current Mayor V. Klychko, Kyiv residents see the priority areas for the city’s development primarily as medical institutions (59%), the quality of housing and communal services (55%), the development of educational institutions (36%), the quality and accessibility of public transport (32%), road quality (31%), waste collection and disposal (27%), combating corruption (24%), illegal construction (20%), and environmental issues (18%).
• Forty-two percent of respondents are satisfied with the performance of Kyiv Mayor Klychko, while 49% are dissatisfied. Thirty-one percent are satisfied with the work of the Kyiv City Council (53% dissatisfied), 43% with public transport (48% dissatisfied), 28% with educational institutions in the capital (47% dissatisfied), and 23% with municipal services and medical institutions in Kyiv (with dissatisfaction at 70% and 63% respectively).
• The trust rating of local politicians and public figures is led by S. Prytula (35% trust, 39% distrust), V. Klychko (35% trust, 55% distrust), D. Gordon (32% trust, 48% distrust), and O. Omelchenko (27% trust, 45% distrust). Other candidates on the list are mostly either unknown to Kyiv residents or are evaluated negatively.
• Sixty-eight percent of respondents expressed a definite readiness to participate in the Kyiv City Council elections. The leading party is Servant of the People, which would receive the votes of 32.2% of those who have decided and intend to participate. A total of 12.4% would vote for the UDAR party of V. Klychko, 8.9% for European Solidarity, 6.9% for Voice, 6.4% for Batkivshchyna, 4.8% for Opposition Platform – For Life, and 4.6% for the Svoboda party. Support for other political forces is below 4%. It is important to note that about one quarter of respondents remain undecided.

• According to the results of the survey conducted by the Rating Group, 76% of Ukrainians have a tradition of giving gifts on Saint Nicholas Day. Over the past year, the share of those who stated that they follow this tradition has increased (67% in 2018). The highest support for the tradition of giving gifts on Saint Nicholas Day is observed in the West of the country (almost 90%). In other regions, a significant share also follows this tradition: 78% in the Center, 70% in the South, and 64% in the East. This tradition is more often supported by rural residents, women, and more affluent respondents.
• Half of Ukrainians believe in Saint Nicholas. At least that is what this share admitted to sociologists, and compared to last year, their number has increased (43% in 2018). Belief in Saint Nicholas is most widespread in the West (58%), while in other regions about half of respondents share this belief. As with the tradition of giving gifts on this holiday, belief in Saint Nicholas is more common among rural residents, women, and more affluent respondents.
• At the same time, fewer Ukrainians believe in Ded Moroz (31%), although the dynamics are positive compared to last year (25% in 2018). Overall, belief in Ded Moroz is relatively more common among residents of the South, urban residents, women, younger respondents, and more affluent Ukrainians.
• About 40% of respondents named New Year and Christmas as their favorite holidays. For another 7%, Saint Nicholas Day is their favorite, and for 3%, Old New Year. Only 3% do not like any of the listed holidays. In long-term dynamics since 2011, the share of those who like New Year has decreased (from 49% in 2011 to 43% in 2019).
• In the South, East, and Center, New Year is more often named as the favorite holiday, while in the West, Christmas is most often considered the favorite. Greater preference for New Year is observed among men, urban residents, and young people. Accordingly, Christmas is more often preferred in rural areas, among older respondents, and among women.
• Almost 80% of Ukrainians plan to set up a New Year tree at home: 40% a live tree and 38% an artificial one. Eleven percent of respondents stated that they will not set up a tree and will limit themselves to a New Year decoration, while the same share will not do anything at all. In dynamics over several years, the share of those who prefer an artificial tree has slightly increased. Supporters of a live New Year tree are more common in the South and East; in the Center the shares are almost equal, while in the West respondents are more inclined to set up an artificial tree. Overall, those who plan to set up a tree are more often found among younger and more affluent respondents.

• According to the results of the survey conducted by the Rating Group, the level of public optimism in the region has improved over the past year. Thus, 44% of respondents believe that affairs in Ukraine are moving in the right direction (17% in 2018), 40% speak positively about the situation in the region (20% in 2018), and 43% about the situation in their city or village (27% in 2018).
• About half of respondents (53%) are dissatisfied with public healthcare services over the past five years, while 35% report being satisfied with public healthcare services. Over the past year, the share of those satisfied with the state of public healthcare has slightly increased (23% in 2018). As in previous studies, the level of satisfaction with public healthcare services is somewhat higher among those who visit doctors more frequently.
• Almost a third of respondents (29%) believe that over the past two years the overall quality of public healthcare services in the region has improved, while 25% noted an improvement in the overall quality of medical services they personally received. Compared to last year, the share of those who observed positive changes in this sector has increased both at the national and personal levels. Frequency of visiting doctors correlates with a more positive assessment of services.
• Over the year, there has been a significant increase in the share of respondents who positively assessed the work of public medical institutions: 47% assess the quality of services positively, while 28% do so negatively. Younger and more affluent respondents, as well as those who visit doctors more often, provided better evaluations of these institutions.
• At the same time, as in previous studies, almost half of respondents were unable to assess the quality of medical care in private healthcare facilities at all; 42% assess it positively and 9% negatively. Younger respondents, more affluent individuals, urban residents, and those who visit doctors more often are more inclined to evaluate private healthcare positively.
• The share of those who stated that they had witnessed reconstruction or renovation of hospitals over the past two years increased (from 46% to 56%), while 31% stated the opposite. Reports of positive changes were equally frequent in cities and villages.
• As last year, a quarter of respondents reported changes in the quality of medical services received (37% said the quality had not changed). Changes in quality were more often reported in rural areas. When assessing various criteria of healthcare quality, 62% reported improvements in the conditions under which medical care is provided (44% in 2018). Attitudes toward patients by doctors, professionalism and competence of doctors, and treatment effectiveness were considered to have improved by 50–60% of respondents (34–39% in 2018).
• About 40% of respondents noticed changes in the cost of services received (27% believe prices did not change). Over the year, the number of negative assessments across various cost-related criteria decreased: more than 47% believe that the cost of consultations, examinations, and medical procedures worsened (71% in 2018), while 17% believe the situation improved (only 5% in 2018). Deterioration in the cost of medical services using specialized equipment and consultations was reported by 50% (72% in 2018), while 16% observed improvement (6% in 2018). Seventy-four percent reported worsening prices for prescribed medicines (88% in 2018), while 10% believe the situation improved (5% in 2018).
• For 19% of respondents, territorial and time accessibility to medical institutions changed (58% did not notice such changes). Urban residents and those who visit doctors more often reported changes more frequently. Fifty-eight percent noticed improvements in the ability to choose a doctor (54% in 2018). Fifty-five percent positively assessed changes in the possibility of making appointments in advance at a convenient time (35% in 2018). Forty-seven to forty-eight percent reported improvements in waiting times or doctors’ schedules (31–33% in 2018), and 43% in territorial accessibility of healthcare facilities (38% in 2018).
• Seven percent of respondents are well informed about the changes proposed by the healthcare reform, 42% have heard something about it, 29% know very little, and 20% know nothing about the essence of the reform. Awareness is higher among women and people with higher education. Over the year, the share of those who know something about the healthcare reform has not changed.
• Thirty-nine percent believe that the healthcare reform has brought improvements to the healthcare sector in the region. Thirty-seven percent reported no changes, and only 7% spoke of deterioration. Younger respondents and those better informed about the reform more often reported positive changes.
• Forty-nine percent are confident that the change of government in the country will positively affect the implementation of healthcare reform in Ukraine. Twenty-seven percent believe no changes will occur, and only 6% speak of possible deterioration. Younger respondents and those who believe the country is moving in the right direction are more optimistic.
• Support for the implementation of healthcare reform in Ukraine has increased sharply (from 35% to 65%). Seventeen percent expressed the opposite view, and 18% could not provide an assessment. Support is higher among young people, rural residents, those aware of the reform, and those who positively assess the country’s development trajectory.
• Unlike last year, when only 17% were confident that the healthcare system would improve as a result of the reform in the next two years, this year 51% spoke of possible improvement. Only 6% believe it will worsen, while 26% think it will not change. Optimism is higher among younger respondents, reform supporters, and those who view the country’s situation optimistically. The share of those who foresee improvements in the long term (5–10 years) has also increased: 62% believe the situation will improve (52% in 2018, 35% in 2017), 4% believe it will worsen, 14% expect no change, and 21% could not answer. As before, the greatest optimists are young people and those with higher education. Almost half of those who believe there will be no change in the next 1–2 years expect improvements in the longer term.
• Thirty-two percent of respondents consult a doctor or medical specialist about their health less than once a year, 17–18% once a year or every six months, 16% at least once every three months, and only 13% use such services monthly.
• The share of those who know who their family doctor is increased (from 75% to 85%). Awareness is slightly higher among women and those who use medical services more frequently. Eighty-four percent have already chosen a family doctor and signed a declaration; 16% have not.
• Seventy-five percent of all respondents fully or partially trust their family doctor (69% in 2018). Trust is higher among women, rural residents, and those who visit doctors more often. Importantly, almost 90% of those who have chosen a family doctor trust them.
• The vast majority of respondents (84%) trust medical recommendations from healthcare professionals, 62% trust pharmacists, and 58% trust relatives and acquaintances. Twenty-seven percent trust medical recommendations on the internet, 17–18% trust television and print media, and 13% trust information from folk healers. Only 12% trust such information from radio. Young people are more inclined to trust healthcare professionals, the internet, and close contacts, while older respondents trust television, print media, radio, and folk healers more often.
• When choosing a healthcare facility, 44% primarily consider trust in doctors at that facility, 41% professionalism and experience of doctors, 27% attitude of doctors and staff toward patients, 18% availability of modern medical equipment, 17% speed of service, 9% comfort of treatment conditions, and 6% availability of preferential services. Compared to last year, demand for better communication and faster service increased significantly, while demand for preferential services declined. Rural residents and younger respondents more often emphasize trust in doctors, attitude, equipment, and service speed, while urban residents and more affluent respondents place greater emphasis on professionalism.
• Sixty-two percent receive medical information from doctors, 21% from friends and family, 20% from the internet, 13% from television, and 6% from pharmacists. Four percent or less receive information from other sources.
• One-third of respondents reported never having problems with blood pressure, 24% experience such problems several times a month, 7–12% every 3–6 months, 8% less than once a year, and 10% daily. Blood pressure problems are more common among women and older people and are more frequent among poorer respondents and those experiencing stress.
• Twenty percent measure blood pressure daily, 28% several times a month, 8–10% every 3 or 6 months, 8% once a year, and 22% less than once a year.
• Nine percent measure body weight daily, 24% several times a month, 9–13% every 3 or 6 months, 16% once a year, and 21% less than once a year. Young people and women measure weight more often.
• More than 40% undergo electrocardiograms less than once a year, 32% annually, 9% every six months, and only 3–4% every three months or several times a month. Those who visit doctors frequently or have blood pressure problems undergo ECGs more often.
• Forty-two percent check blood sugar levels less than once a year, 20% annually, 8% every six months, 5% every three months, and 2–5% several times a month or daily.
• Forty-five percent check cholesterol levels less than once a year, 17% annually, 8% every six months, 4% at least every three months, and 3% several times a month. Those who visit doctors frequently or have blood pressure problems check sugar and cholesterol levels more often.
• Half of respondents reported normal blood pressure at last measurement, one-third higher than normal, and 13% lower. Sixty-two percent reported normal body weight, 24% higher than normal, and 4% lower. Nearly two-thirds reported normal blood sugar levels, 34% could not answer, and 6% reported elevated levels. Cholesterol was normal for 45%, unknown for 47%, and elevated for 7%.
• Forty-seven percent never sought medical care related to cardiovascular diseases, while others did so at varying times in the past. Recent care was more common among women, older respondents, and poorer individuals.
• Almost 60% do not take medication to normalize blood pressure, while 38% do. Eighty-seven percent do not take medication to regulate blood sugar or cholesterol. Among those with blood pressure problems at least once every six months, 66% take blood pressure medication, and 9% take medication for sugar and cholesterol respectively.
• When blood pressure problems occur, more than a quarter take medication based on personal experience, while a similar share follow doctors’ recommendations. Nine to ten percent use folk remedies or immediately consult a doctor, and 5% do nothing.
• Eighty-six percent walk outdoors daily, 8% several times a week, and 2–3% several times or once a month. Rural residents spend more time outdoors.
• Sixty-one percent consume fresh fruits and vegetables daily, 30% several times a week, and smaller shares less frequently.
• Forty-two percent eat meat daily, 41% several times a week, and fewer less often or never. Men and younger people consume meat more frequently.
• Almost 30% consume confectionery and baked goods daily, 39% several times a week, and fewer less often. Daily consumption is more common among young and middle-aged respondents.
• Twenty-two percent consume fried or fatty food daily, 39% several times a week, and fewer less often or never. Daily consumption is more common among men, younger and middle-aged respondents, and rural residents.
• Fifteen percent consume non-alcoholic carbonated drinks daily, 22% several times a week, and 31% never consume them. Non-consumption is more common among women and older respondents.
• Almost 40% consume alcohol once a month or less, 20% several times a month, 6% several times a week, and 3% daily. One-third do not consume alcohol at all, more often women, older people, and urban residents.
• Only 15% exercise daily, 22% several times a week, and 27% do not exercise at all. Non-participation is more common among middle-aged and older respondents, women, and rural residents.
• Twenty percent experience stress daily, 19% several times a week, 31% several times a month, and 30% never. Women, urban residents, and those with blood pressure problems experience stress more often.
• Seventy-four percent are aware of symptoms of high blood pressure, and 67% know treatment methods; awareness is similar for low blood pressure.
• Twenty-three percent recently received information on cardiovascular disease prevention from family doctors, while others cited media, the internet, or medical facilities. Fifty-five percent did not receive such information recently, more often young people.
• Thirty-one percent positively assess the quality of cardiovascular care in their locality, 11% negatively, while 48% have not used such services. Positive assessments increased slightly compared to last year.
• At the regional level, 26% positively assess cardiovascular treatment quality, 6% negatively, and 59% have not sought such care. Positive assessments increased compared to last year. Seventy-one percent did not seek such services in other Ukrainian cities.
• When cardiovascular problems arise, respondents most often turn to city or district hospitals, family doctors, or regional hospitals. Forty-five percent report no blood pressure problems. Compared to last year, more respondents turn to family doctors.
• The best quality assessments for cardiology services were given to family doctors, followed by city or district hospitals, regional hospitals, and other facilities.
• Thirty-seven percent believe there are enough cardiovascular care facilities in their locality, while 45% believe there are not enough, particularly among rural residents.
• As last year, most respondents (80%) know nothing about the World Bank and Ministry of Health project “Improving Health Care at the Service of People,” though 83% consider its implementation important.
• Despite low awareness of the project, many respondents encountered related information in the media, such as ambulance transfers, equipment purchases, and facility renovations.
• Seventy percent believe that implementation of this project will improve the situation with cardiovascular diseases in the region, 10% believe it will not change, and 4% expect deterioration.

The survey was conducted by Sociological Group “Rating” (Rating Group Ukraine) on behalf of the International Republican Institute’s Center for Insights in Survey Research.

This annual survey provides an extensive look at citizen attitudes about local governance and municipal services.
 
Polling was conducted in the 24 regional capitals of Ukraine not under the control of Russian or Russian-backed forces, including Mariupol and Severodonetsk in the Donbas region. The survey is based on a sample size of 19,200 respondents.
The margin of error for each city does not exceed ±3.5 points. Average response rate is 67.7%

Fifth Nationwide Municipal Survey from Ratinggroup

• According to the results of a survey conducted by the Rating Group between November 16 and 24, 2019 among residents of Ivano-Frankivsk, 76% of respondents believe that the direction in which the city is developing is correct. Only 14% hold the opposite view, while 10% were undecided. Assessments of the situation in the country as a whole are more pessimistic: 29% believe that Ukraine is moving in the right direction, 51% believe it is moving in the wrong direction, and 21% were undecided. In year-on-year dynamics, positive assessments increased in both cases.
• Among key national politicians, President Volodymyr Zelensky leads the trust rankings. 40% trust him, while 47% do not. Sviatoslav Vakarchuk is trusted by 30% and not trusted by 53%. Petro Poroshenko is trusted by 19% and not trusted by 69%. Yuliia Tymoshenko is trusted by 15% and not trusted by 73%. Yurii Boyko is trusted by only 5%, not trusted by 67%, while 17% do not know him at all. The President enjoys relatively higher trust among younger respondents, while other politicians are more trusted by older respondents.
• Among central government institutions, residents evaluate the performance of President Zelensky somewhat more positively: 41% are satisfied, 43% are dissatisfied, and 17% were undecided. Only 23% are satisfied with the work of Parliament, while 56% are dissatisfied and 21% could not assess it. 22% are satisfied with the performance of Prime Minister Oleksii Honcharuk, 45% are dissatisfied, and 34% were unable to assess. Younger and more affluent respondents were more likely than others to give positive evaluations of central authorities.
• An absolute majority of residents are satisfied with the performance of Ivano-Frankivsk Mayor Ruslan Martsinkiv (91%). 67% are satisfied with the work of the City Council, 16% are dissatisfied, and 17% were unable to assess its performance.
• Among key areas of city life, respondents rated public transport most positively: 73% are satisfied, 20% are dissatisfied. Assessments of other sectors are less optimistic. 47% are satisfied with educational institutions, 29% are dissatisfied, and 24% were undecided. 48% are satisfied with municipal services, while 46% are dissatisfied. Medical institutions received the lowest ratings, with 35% satisfied and 53% dissatisfied. Older and less affluent respondents more often evaluated public transport positively, while younger and wealthier respondents gave higher ratings to education and healthcare.
• 74% of respondents believe that Mayor Ruslan Martsinkiv fulfilled his pre-election promises. Only 9% disagree, while 17% were unable to answer.
• 76% of respondents expressed clear readiness to participate in mayoral and city council elections if they were held in the near future. The leading political force in municipal elections is the Svoboda party, supported by nearly half of decided voters. 21% would vote for the “Servant of the People” party, 8% for “European Solidarity”, 6.8% for “Holos”, and 5.2% for “Batkivshchyna”. Support for other parties does not exceed 2%, while one in five respondents remains undecided.
• Ruslan Martsinkiv is the clear leader in mayoral electoral preferences, supported by 83.3% of decided voters. Oleksandr Shevchenko would receive 3.9%, Volodymyr Merinov 2.3%, while support for other candidates is below 2%. 6–7% of respondents remain undecided.
• Among key priorities for city authorities, residents most often identified healthcare institutions (41%). About one third believe that housing and utility services and road quality should be priorities. One quarter pointed to the construction of a new bridge in the Pasichna district or improvements in education. One in five named anti-corruption efforts, public transport quality, and waste collection and disposal. Between 10% and 16% identified job creation, investment attraction, security, and social protection of low-income groups as priorities. Older respondents more often prioritized healthcare and utilities, while younger respondents emphasized roads, anti-corruption, and transport.
• Sidewalks and residential courtyard areas were most frequently cited as a success of the current mayor (58%). 40% named public transport quality, 36% road quality, and 31% renovation of parks and green spaces. 17–18% cited street lighting and education, while 10% pointed to housing and utility services.
• The cost of utility services was identified as the city’s most serious problem (41%). 27–28% cited traffic congestion and poor road conditions. 22% mentioned stray animals and drug addiction/alcoholism. Between 10% and 16% pointed to littering, chaotic high-rise construction, low professional standards among medical staff, corruption, lack of sports and playgrounds, poor housing conditions, environmental issues, and unemployment.
• 56% of respondents reported high-quality renovations of residential courtyard areas in their neighborhoods, 33% had not noticed such changes, and 11% said renovations had been carried out but were of poor quality.
• 53% consider the construction of a new bridge in Pasichna a problem, while 23% do not see it as a major issue. Among those who consider it problematic, 45% believe the issue is being addressed, while 41% disagree.
• 42% are personally concerned about high-rise construction in the city center, 30% do not see it as a major issue, and 24% do not see it as a problem at all. Among those who consider it problematic, half believe the issue is not being resolved.
• 55% consider traffic congestion a serious problem, 28% consider it insignificant, and 15% do not view it as a problem. Half of those concerned about congestion believe the issue is not being addressed.
• 54% stated they are well informed about the planned incorporation of nearby villages and settlements into Ivano-Frankivsk under decentralization and the formation of an amalgamated territorial community (ATC). 28% had heard something about it, while 16% knew nothing. 57% believe this process will create new development opportunities, while 18% believe it will worsen the situation and become an economic burden.
• One third of respondents reported that close relatives are currently working abroad. 65% reported otherwise. 20% plan to seek employment abroad next year, while 76% do not. Intentions to work abroad are more common among respondents under 35 years old.

• According to the results of the survey conducted by the Rating Group during November 20–24, 2019, 43% of respondents believe that reforms in the country should be implemented gradually. At the same time, 30% are convinced that changes should be rapid and radical, while 18% of respondents believe reforms should be suspended until the situation in the country stabilizes. Support for rapid transformations is relatively higher among residents of the Central region, younger respondents, and voters of the “Holos” party. Nevertheless, even within these groups, the majority still support a gradual approach to reforms.
• 53% of respondents believe that President Volodymyr Zelensky is more effective than former President Petro Poroshenko. The opposite view is held by 15%, while 22% believe that nothing has changed significantly. Comparative assessments of other central government institutions are less optimistic. In particular, 34% consider the current Verkhovna Rada to be more effective than the previous convocation, 32% see no change, and 17% believe it is less effective. Only 27% consider the government led by Oleksii Honcharuk to be more effective than the government of Volodymyr Groysman. Another 30% report no change, 19% consider it worse, and 24% were unable to provide an assessment. The most critical evaluations of the effectiveness of central authorities come from supporters of the “European Solidarity” party.
• Nearly two thirds of respondents believe that President Zelensky needs between one and three years to demonstrate tangible and effective results of his work. Fourteen percent are willing to wait five years or more, while 8% expect results within six months. Seventeen percent believe that he will not be able to demonstrate effective results at all.
• About half of respondents believe that the Government and the Verkhovna Rada also need between one and three years to deliver effective outcomes. Around 10% are willing to wait five years or longer, while 10–13% expect results within six months. Every fourth or fifth respondent believes that the current Government and Parliament are incapable of changing the situation in the country.
• The leader in electoral preferences remains the “Servant of the People” party, supported by nearly 45% of those who have decided and intend to participate in elections. 12.7% support the “Opposition Platform – For Life” party, 9.6% – “European Solidarity”, 8.5% – “Batkivshchyna”, and 4.4% – “Holos”. Support for other political forces does not exceed 3%. Approximately 12% of respondents remain undecided.

• According to a survey conducted by Rating Group, 82% of citizens believe that the Holodomor of 1932–33 was a genocide of the Ukrainian people. 11% do not support this statement, while 7% are undecided. Compared to the previous year, the share of those who unequivocally agree with this statement has slightly increased.
• Clear regional differences are observed: 95% of residents in the West, 87% in the Center, 72% in the South, and 61% in the East agree that the Holodomor was a genocide. Rural residents are somewhat more inclined to support this view than urban residents. No significant differences are observed by age or education level. At the same time, in ideological terms, those who regret the collapse of the USSR are less likely to support this statement. Nevertheless, even within this group, a relative majority still agree with recognizing the Holodomor as a genocide of the Ukrainian people.
• 73% of respondents said they plan to light a candle on the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holodomor in memory of those who died of starvation this year. 20% said they do not plan to do so. Compared to the previous year, the share of those intending to light a candle has slightly increased.
• The candle-lighting initiative enjoys somewhat higher support in the West and Center (87% and 74%, respectively). At the same time, a substantial share of respondents in the South (68%) and East (54%) also said they would participate in this commemoration.
• The initiative resonates more strongly among older respondents than among younger ones. It is also somewhat more often supported by those who do not regret the collapse of the USSR. Accordingly, an overwhelming majority of those who recognize the Holodomor of 1932–33 as a genocide plan to take part. Notably, about one-third of those who do not support the genocide thesis also said they intend to light a candle of remembrance.

• According to the results of a survey conducted by Rating Group, 38% of respondents said they would like to start their own business. 10% stated that they already own a business. At the same time, half of respondents expressed no desire to engage in entrepreneurship. The highest demand for starting one’s own business is observed among men, the youngest and more affluent respondents, as well as those employed in the private sector.
• Among recent government initiatives aimed at regulating business, the most supported is the adoption of legislation to combat schemes used by large businesses to move money abroad and evade taxes (74%). About two thirds support the introduction of cashback (refunds to consumers if a seller does not issue a fiscal receipt), as well as the creation of an app similar to Privat24 or Monobank that would allow paying all taxes via smartphone. More than half support initiatives to expand the use of cash registers (RRO/PPO), introduce large fines for selling goods without a receipt, and allow receiving an electronic receipt instead of a paper one. About 40% support the abolition of the tax police and creation of a Bureau of Financial Investigations, the introduction of one-time asset declaration (at a 9–10% rate) for undeclared assets and funds, and the introduction of a separate tax for entrepreneurs in the IT sector. At the same time, among those who run a business or want to start one, initiatives such as cashback, fines for not issuing receipts, and expanding the use of cash registers are more often opposed than supported.
• Half of respondents believe that expanding the use of cash registers (RRO/PPO) is primarily about bringing order to tax compliance. Meanwhile, 38% view this step as pressure on small businesses. This latter view is strongly supported among those who already own a business.
• 79% believe that taxes contribute to Ukraine’s development. 74% are convinced that strengthening tax compliance control will improve Ukraine’s economic situation. 68% believe that timely tax payment ensures a decent pension in the future, and the same share support the statement that strict criminal liability should be introduced for tax evasion. At the same time, at least two thirds believe that tax levels in Ukraine are very high. This view is most strongly supported by business owners. Among this group, there is the lowest support for introducing strict criminal liability for tax evasion and for the claim that timely tax payment guarantees a decent future pension.
• 47% believe that the main share of taxes should primarily be directed to the social sphere (healthcare, education, pensions, subsidies). 39% believe that taxes should primarily be used to reform and develop the economy and build new infrastructure.
• More than 70% are convinced that taxes should be increased for oligarchs and large businesses. In contrast, opinions regarding sole proprietors (FOPs), small businesses, and employees are the opposite: more than 70% favor keeping taxes unchanged or reducing them for these groups. Regarding medium-sized businesses, opinions are split: 25% support tax increases, 30% support tax reductions, and about the same share favor no changes. Entrepreneurs and those who want to start a business tend to support tax reductions for all business categories, except oligarchs.
• 85% support strengthening liability for tax evasion for oligarchs and large businesses. 58% support this initiative for medium-sized businesses. For small businesses, opinions are divided: about 40% support stricter penalties, while about the same share oppose them. Opposition is higher among those who own a business.
• 60% have encountered situations where a seller did not issue any receipt for purchased goods or services (29% often, 31% occasionally), while 38% have not encountered this. Such situations are more common among young people and business owners.
• Only 13% reported receiving “envelope wages” (undeclared cash payments) over the past year; 85% did not have such experience. Reports of envelope wages are more common among young and middle-aged respondents, those seeking to start a business, and those employed in the private sector (in the latter group, 31%).
• Half of respondents know the amount of taxes they pay monthly on their salary/income; nearly 30% do not know; one in five said they do not receive salary/income. Awareness is higher among younger and middle-aged, higher-income respondents, entrepreneurs, and those seeking to start a business.
• Among state institutions, respondents trust the Army and the President the most (over 60%). Trust is also relatively high in the Government (42%), Verkhovna Rada (41%), and Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) (37%). Distrust prevails toward most other institutions: Police (trust 32%, distrust 53%), National Bank of Ukraine (28% / 45%), State Customs Service (21% / 55%), State Tax Service (21% / 52%), Ministry of Finance (18% / 52%). The lowest trust is in the courts (15% trust, 66% distrust) and the prosecutor’s office (14% / 70%).
• Army reform is evaluated relatively better: 31% rate it positively, 23% neutrally, 23% say they know nothing about it, and 14% negatively. Police reform is also rated relatively better: 18% positive, 25% neutral, one third negative. The most negative evaluations are given to judicial and prosecutorial reforms (32–35% negative, 21% neutral, 9–10% positive, and about a quarter know nothing about them). Awareness of reforms in the SBU, customs, and tax services is lower—about 30% know nothing about changes in these institutions; 10–13% rate them positively, 21–22% neutrally, and 24–25% negatively.

• According to the results of a survey conducted by Rating Group, among leaders of other countries Ukrainians have the most positive attitude toward the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko: 66% view him positively and only 15% negatively.
• Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel is viewed positively by 60% of respondents and negatively by 17%.
  Poland’s President Andrzej Duda is viewed positively by 48%, negatively by 9%; 18% do not know this politician and 27% were undecided.
  France’s President Emmanuel Macron is viewed positively by 39%, negatively by 17%; 15% do not know him and 29% were undecided.
  Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is viewed positively by 38%, negatively by 6%; 30% do not know him and 30% could not assess.
  UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is viewed positively by 33%, negatively by 11%; 27% do not know him and 30% were undecided.
  US President Donald Trump is viewed positively by 30%, negatively by 42%, while 25% were undecided.
  Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is viewed positively by 28%, negatively by 20%; 22% do not know him and 30% could not assess.
• Ukrainians have the most negative attitude toward the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin: 71% view him negatively, only 15% positively, and 12% could not express an opinion.
• In dynamics over the past year and a half, attitudes toward A. Merkel, V. Putin, A. Lukashenko, and E. Macron have remained largely unchanged. Attitudes toward A. Duda have somewhat improved, while views of Donald Trump and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have worsened.
• Regional differences are observed: in the South and East, attitudes are somewhat more positive toward A. Lukashenko, R. Erdoğan, and especially V. Putin. In the West, respondents are more favorable toward A. Duda, J. Trudeau, and D. Trump. By age, A. Lukashenko enjoys notably higher support among the oldest respondents, while E. Macron, B. Johnson, and D. Trump have more supporters among younger age groups.
• By income level, less affluent respondents show greater support for A. Lukashenko and V. Putin, whereas more affluent respondents are more favorable toward A. Duda, E. Macron, J. Trudeau, B. Johnson, and D. Trump.
• Among supporters of different political parties, the presidents of Belarus, Russia, and Turkey are clear favorites among supporters of the Opposition Platform – For Life party. Western leaders, in contrast, enjoy greater support among sympathizers of European Solidarity and Holos. A. Lukashenko and V. Putin also lead in support among those who regret the collapse of the Soviet Union.

• According to a survey conducted by Rating Group on October 24–27, 2019, about one quarter of respondents reported owning a land share (land plot): 6% cultivate it themselves, while 17% lease it out. Land-share owners are most common in the West, among rural residents, and older age groups.
• 70% of land-share owners say that if the agricultural land market is introduced, they will continue cultivating or leasing their land; 16% intend to sell it.
• The main reasons for not cultivating land independently are lack of financial resources and health conditions (primarily age-related), cited by more than a quarter of respondents. Other reasons—having alternative income, lack of knowledge/skills for farming, or living in another locality—were mentioned by 10–12%.
• The majority of land-share owners (73%) believe the current lease price is unfair; only 15% consider it fair.
• 42% think the lease price for agricultural land should be set by the state, while 38% believe it should be determined by the market; about one fifth are undecided. Market-based regulation is more often supported by land-share owners who cultivate their land themselves and by those who consider their lease price fair. Younger respondents tend to favor the market, older respondents state regulation. Support for market pricing is strongest among voters of Holos and European Solidarity.
• 18% would rather engage in farming, 75% would not, and about 3% say they are already farmers. Among land-share owners who cultivate their land themselves, more than a quarter are farmers.
• More than half (53%) do not support lifting the moratorium on the purchase/sale of agricultural land; 31% support it. Nearly half of supporters are land-share owners who cultivate their land themselves.
• More than half believe a land market can be introduced in Ukraine: 22% favor opening it as soon as possible, 10% in one year, and 21% in several years. At the same time, 28% oppose introducing a land market at any time.
• A clear majority (69%) oppose allowing foreigners to buy land at any time. Only 7% support this in the near term, 4% in one year, and 8% in several years. Even among those who support opening the land market, half oppose sales to foreigners.
• 68% believe that once the market opens, land should be sold to farmers who work the land; 61% to all Ukrainian citizens; and about 40% to state companies and domestic agribusiness holdings. Support for selling agricultural land to foreigners or foreign companies is around 10% (with 82% opposed). Over the past two months, acceptance of sales to farmers, Ukrainian citizens, and state companies has increased. Younger respondents are more accepting of all potential market participants.
• 70% believe land-share owners should have the right to sell or gift land exclusively to domestic companies or Ukrainian citizens. About two thirds support Ukrainians’ right to freely purchase agricultural land. 60% approve allowing land-share owners to use their land as collateral for bank loans. A similar share (57%) supports caps on the maximum area of agricultural land that one person can own. These ideas are more strongly supported by younger respondents and by those who own and cultivate land shares.
• The idea of transferring state-owned land to amalgamated territorial communities (ATCs), granting them the right to manage it at their discretion (sell, lease, etc.), is supported by 38% and opposed by 33%.
• Respondents are more likely to oppose increasing the land tax to boost local budgets (48% against, 22% for) and oppose allowing land-share owners to sell land to all buyers, including foreign entities (71% against, 16% for).

• According to a survey conducted by Rating Group during October 4–14, 2019 among residents of Lviv, 41% believe the city is developing in the right direction, 36% disagree, and 23% could not answer. Regarding the country’s direction, 31% see it as right, 43% as wrong, and 26% were undecided. Over time, positive assessments of the country’s direction increased, while assessments of the city’s direction declined.
• Among city opportunities, respondents rated leisure and recreation highest (68% say Lviv offers everything or almost everything for this). 52% believe the city provides good opportunities to find a job. Views on safety are split: about 40% consider the city safe, 25% see safety as average, and 25% perceive it as rather unsafe. Perceptions of entrepreneurial opportunities are similarly mixed: one-third see good opportunities, one-fifth rate them as average, one-quarter see no opportunities, and one-quarter could not answer.
• Younger and wealthier residents rate leisure, jobs, and safety more positively. Regarding entrepreneurship, many older and poorer respondents could not give a clear answer (around 40%). Middle-aged and middle-income groups are more critical. Young, affluent residents and current entrepreneurs tend to rate business opportunities as high.
• The top city problems are utility costs (46%), traffic congestion (42%), and drug and alcohol abuse (35%). About 25% cite poor road conditions, lack of parking, and development of parks/green areas. 20–17% mention illegal construction, shortage of kindergarten places, poor transport condition, and stray animals. 10–12% point to poor sidewalks, transport fares, low medical professionalism, and rising crime; other issues are mentioned by fewer than 10%.
• Satisfaction with city governance and services:
  – Mayor: 51% satisfied, 41% dissatisfied
  – Municipal improvement services: 44% / 43%
  – City council: 40% / 41%
  – Public transport: 31% / 60%
  – коммунальні services: 27% / 65%
• Trust in business groups: highest trust is in small and medium entrepreneurs (over 60%), lowest in oligarchs (8%). Owners of large enterprises are trusted by 33% and distrusted by 48%. Trust is lower among the oldest, poorest, and those not wanting to start a business.
• Entrepreneurial intentions: 37% want to start a business; 14% already have one; 46% do not want to. Interest is highest among youth. Notably, one-third of affluent respondents already run a business. Preferred sectors among aspiring entrepreneurs: trade (33%), tourism (14%), entertainment/leisure (13%), food service (11%), construction/repairs (10%). 8% each: transport/logistics, beauty & health, hotels, marketing/advertising, IT, education. 4–6%: medical services, tailoring/repair, farming, auto service, real estate, household goods production.
• Shopping behavior: About 50% shop in supermarkets/stores almost daily; 28% several times a week; 11% weekly; 7% less often; 3% never. Women, younger and wealthier residents shop more frequently.
  – Most bought items: food (95%); household goods, drinks, and cleaning products are bought less often. Alcohol is bought less frequently; about half do not buy it at all. Cigarettes are regularly bought by 15%; 64% never buy them.
• Kiosks/pavilions: 17% use them daily; 24% several times a week; 12% weekly; 23% less often; 24% never. Users are more often men, young/middle-aged, and lower/middle income. Food and drinks are the most common purchases. Cigarettes are bought more often in kiosks than in supermarkets; other goods are bought more often in stores. Since 2007, purchases of juices/water, cigarettes, and alcohol in kiosks have declined sharply (especially beer), while food, household goods, and cleaning products increased slightly.
• Reasons to shop at kiosks: convenient location (71%), time savings (39%), no queues (18%), lower prices (15%), habit (10%); 7–8% cite 24/7 operation and freshness. Over time, the importance of low prices, no queues, habit, and 24/7 operation has declined. Younger buyers stress convenience; older buyers cite prices and habit.
  Reasons to avoid kiosks: habit of not buying there (29%), poor storage conditions (23%), limited assortment (20%), stale goods (18%). Concerns about storage and cheating have fallen by more than half over time.
• City policy toward small business: 46% believe the city authorities hinder small business development; 13% think they help; 13% say authorities do not interfere; 28% undecided. Perceived hindrance is higher among middle-aged/middle-income residents and those wanting to start a business; it is less common among current entrepreneurs.
• MAFs (kiosks) conflict: 45% have heard about the conflict with city authorities. 51% oppose the mayor’s proposal to reduce the number of MAFs threefold; 41% support it (support is higher among those not wanting a business and those who never use small shops).
  59% believe reducing MAFs would cost jobs and reduce city revenues; 29% think it would improve urban amenities.
  62% believe the policy aims to help large retail chains crowd out small/medium traders; 20% think it aims to restore order.
  58% favor mutual concessions between the city and entrepreneurs; 26% say authorities should not interfere; 9% support mass demolition. 60% side with entrepreneurs; 19% with city authorities.

• According to the results of a survey conducted by Rating Group during October 19–22, 2019, 18% of respondents believe that over the past 12 months the economic situation in the country has improved, 47% say it has not changed, and 29% state that it has worsened. Similar assessments apply to household financial conditions: 17% believe the situation has improved, 53% saw no change, and 30% reported deterioration. Compared to the beginning of the year, the share of those who negatively assessed the economic situation both in the country and in their families has halved.
• Against the backdrop of growing optimism after the presidential elections, positive expectations for the future have also increased. Currently, 45% of respondents believe that over the next 12 months the economic situation in Ukraine will improve, 26% expect no change, and only 15% hold negative expectations. Another 15% were unable to answer.
• In most areas assessed in the survey, respondents either observed positive changes or no change. In year-on-year dynamics, positive trends are visible across all areas. The largest share of positive change was noted in the condition of roads (almost 40% reported improvement). 31% observed positive changes in the exchange rate of the national currency, and 23% noted improvements in freedom of speech and democracy.
• Regarding Ukraine’s international image, 21% observed improvement; 19% noted improvement in relations with the West. Improvements were also seen in job-finding opportunities (18%), anti-corruption efforts (17%), political stability (14%), and progress toward resolving the war in Donbas (13%).
• Despite the overall positive dynamics, respondents more often reported deterioration in several areas. In particular, negative changes were more frequently noted in healthcare quality (45% reported deterioration, 12% improvement, 30% no change), road safety (46% deterioration, 12% improvement, 34% no change), utility tariffs (52% deterioration, 8% improvement, 3% no change), and prices for basic goods and services (73% deterioration, 18% no change, only 3% improvement).
• 71% stated that what Ukraine lacks most today is peace. 43% believe Ukraine needs order, 40%—stability, 37%—unity, 36%—prosperity, 30%—development and justice, and 8%—greater global influence. Demand for all listed categories has increased over the past three months, most notably for peace and order.
• The largest threat to Ukraine today, according to respondents, is the mass emigration of Ukrainians abroad (56%). About 45% consider economic decline and impoverishment of the population to be threats. Between 30% and 40% identify threats such as deterioration of public health, environmental disasters, full-scale war with Russia, rising crime, and population degradation and decline. Between 20% and 30% cite state collapse, hryvnia devaluation, power vacuum, and mass unrest. Between 13% and 17% consider dictatorship, famine, international isolation, and terrorism as threats. Over the past three months, concern about public health, environmental disasters, and war with Russia has increased, while concern about hryvnia devaluation and inflation has decreased.
• Amid positive expectations and a generally optimistic post-election mood, trust in most institutions has increased. The largest positive changes were recorded for central government institutions: the President, the Government, and Parliament.
• Currently, Ukrainians trust volunteers (69%), ATO veterans (67%), the President of Ukraine (66%), and the Army (65%) the most. The Church also enjoys a high level of trust (56%).
• Civil society organizations are trusted by 48%, city/village mayors by 47%, the National Guard by 46%, the Government by 45%, the Verkhovna Rada by 44%, local media by 43%, national media by 42%, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) by 38%, and regional state administrations by 32%.
• Other institutions are more often distrusted than trusted. In particular, Police are distrusted by 49% (trusted by 31%), the Border Guard Service (41% / 23%), the State Bureau of Investigations (41% / 23%), tax authorities (50% / 20%), customs authorities (51% / 19%), NABU (49% / 17%), and the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption (48% / 15%).
• The lowest levels of trust are recorded for the prosecutor’s office (62% distrust) and the courts (66% distrust). Only 14–15% trust these institutions.

• According to a survey conducted by Rating Group, only 19% of respondents support the introduction of sales of agricultural land. 73% oppose this initiative, while 8% are undecided. Support for launching a land market is relatively higher among younger and wealthier respondents and among land-share owners who cultivate their land themselves. However, even within these groups, at least 60% oppose the initiative.
• Support for allowing foreigners to purchase agricultural land is even lower: only 13% are in favor, while 81% are against. Although among the youngest and wealthiest about one in five does not oppose foreign ownership, three quarters of these groups still firmly reject it.
• 74% believe that any decision on introducing sales of agricultural land in Ukraine should be made through a nationwide referendum; 17% disagree.
• 58% think agricultural land should remain state-owned, following models such as Canada or Israel. 22% support a model similar to Italy, where arable land can be bought and sold, while 20% could not choose between these options. Preference for state ownership is more common among older and poorer respondents and those without land shares; support for a market model is higher among younger, wealthier respondents and self-cultivating land-share owners. Still, even among these latter groups, at least half favor the Canadian/Israeli model.
• Perceived benefits of allowing land sales most often cited include:
  – owners being able to dispose of land at their own discretion (26%);
  – job creation in rural areas (18%);
  – investment inflows into Ukraine (14%);
  – obtaining a fair market price (13%);
  – enabling farmers to use land as collateral for loans (13%).
  Fewer than 7% mentioned benefits such as eliminating the shadow land market, supporting SMEs, increasing budget revenues, or improving soil ecology. 35% see no benefits at all from lifting the moratorium. Self-cultivating land-share owners more often emphasized autonomy, jobs, and investment; those leasing out shares more often said there are no advantages.
• Key risks most frequently mentioned are:
  – land being bought by foreigners (41%);
  – deception of land-share owners during sales (31%);
  – dangers due to imperfect legislation (31%);
  – land being concentrated by oligarchs (23%).
  Additionally, 17% argue a land market is inappropriate during wartime; 16% fear destruction of small and medium rural businesses; 13% each warn of accelerated depopulation of villages or loss of stable rental income for villagers. Only 5% see no risks. Concerns about foreign purchases, fraud, and weak legislation are especially common among land-share owners who cultivate their land themselves.

• According to a survey conducted by Rating Group, only 11% of respondents believe that gambling should be legalized in Ukraine without any restrictions. 27% support legalization provided that special gambling zones are created, while nearly 60% oppose legalization under any conditions.
• Almost half of respondents believe that lotteries should be permitted in Ukraine. About one quarter support allowing sports betting and casinos (with attitudes toward casino legalization having improved). The most negative attitudes are toward the legalization of online casinos (12%), slot machines (12%), and card games for money (11%).
• 25% of respondents consider themselves gamblers, while the majority (73%) do not. Gambling propensity is higher among men, younger people, and those with higher incomes.
• Over the past two years, the share of people who consider themselves gamblers has not changed, but attitudes toward gambling overall have worsened.
• Only 28% have a positive attitude toward gambling without monetary stakes or winnings (down from 46% in 2017). About two thirds view such games negatively (up from 49% in 2017).
• Attitudes toward gambling for money are overwhelmingly negative: just 10% view it positively, while 85% are negative. More tolerant views are found among self-identified gamblers, particularly men of younger and middle age—among whom positive attitudes toward gambling for money (16%) are almost three times higher than among women (6%).
• The vast majority (84%) reported not personally gambling for money in the past five years. Meanwhile, 3% did so frequently, 9% several times, and 3% once.
• Over the last two years, the proportion of respondents who gambled for money has remained largely unchanged.
• Nearly half of self-identified gamblers reported gambling for money at least once in the past five years—typically younger and middle-aged men with relatively higher incomes.
• The most common forms of gambling among those who played were lotteries (31%) and sports betting (29%). About one quarter played slot machines and card games for money; one in six played online casinos, and one in ten visited casinos.
• Among those who do not gamble, the most common reasons are the belief that money should be earned, not won (48%), and distrust of gambling organizers (about one third).

• According to a survey conducted by Rating Group, 68% of respondents consider Russia to be an aggressor state toward Ukraine. 23% hold the opposite view, and 10% were undecided.
  Attitudes differ by region and electoral preference: in the West and Center, at least 70% regard Russia as an aggressor; in the South, about 50% do so; in the East, only 40% agree with this statement, while 47% disagree. Among supporters of parliamentary political parties, a distinctly different view prevails among supporters of the Opposition Platform – For Life, where about two-thirds do not consider Russia an aggressor.
• More than half of respondents support non-military approaches to resolving the issue of occupied Donbas:
  34% favor ending hostilities and recognizing these territories as temporarily occupied, effectively freezing the conflict;
  23% support granting these territories autonomous status within Ukraine.
  At the same time, 23% favor continuing military actions until full restoration of Ukrainian control over Donbas, and only 6% support separation of these territories from Ukraine.
  Military solutions receive the greatest support in the West, while granting autonomy finds more support in the South and East. By electoral preference, support for autonomy is highest among supporters of Opposition Platform – For Life, whereas military solutions are most supported by voters of European Solidarity and Holos.
• 55% support the deployment of UN peacekeepers in occupied Donbas without a Russian contingent; 26% oppose it.
  53% support holding local elections in the non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions after Ukraine regains control over the entire occupied territory; 19% oppose.
  43% support local elections in these areas under OSCE supervision, while 27% oppose.
• Several initiatives related to occupied Donbas do not enjoy public support:
  Amnesty for members of illegal armed groups fighting on the side of the so-called “DPR/LPR” is opposed by 48% and supported by 27%.
  Granting local councils the right to form “people’s militia” units is opposed by 43% and supported by 27%.
  Deploying UN peacekeepers including a Russian contingent is opposed by 61% and supported by only 17%.
• Two-thirds of respondents were unable to assess the peace initiative known as the “Steinmeier Formula.” 23% opposed it, while 18% supported it.
• Initiatives such as holding elections in non-controlled territories under any conditions, amnesty for illegal armed formations, and granting the right to form people’s militia units receive relatively higher support in the eastern regions and among supporters of Opposition Platform – For Life.
  In contrast, deploying UN peacekeepers without a Russian contingent is more strongly supported in the West and Center.
  Deploying UN peacekeepers with a Russian contingent does not receive majority support in any macro-region.

• According to a survey conducted by Rating Group in September 2019, Ukrainians’ favorite music genres are pop music (26%), classical music (25%), folk music (21%), and chanson (18%).
  These are followed by rock (14%), dance/disco (12%), club music (8%), and jazz (7%). Rap, romances, and sacred music were each chosen by 6% of respondents; electronic, blues, and hip-hop by 4% each; bard music by 3%. Heavy rock and reggae are each preferred by 2%. Only 4% say they do not like music at all.
• Although pop music remains the top preference, its popularity has declined over the past decade (from 32% to 26%). The share of those who prefer romances has halved (12% in 2009 to 6% in 2019). Preferences for chanson (22% → 18%) and folk music (25% → 21%) have also decreased.
• In contrast, the number of classical music fans has increased (20% → 25%), pushing it above chanson and folk in the rankings. Over the past 10 years, the share of rock fans has doubled (7% → 14%), and rap has also grown (3% → 6%).
• Age differences: Younger respondents prefer pop, rock, disco, club, electronic music, rap, and hip-hop more than older respondents. Older age groups are more inclined toward classical and folk music, chanson, romances, and bard music.
• Gender differences: Women more often than men prefer classical and pop music (31–32% vs. 19%), folk music (24% vs. 18%), and sacred music (7% vs. 3%). Women are also twice as likely to like dance music (15% vs. 8%).
  Men, in turn, more often prefer rock (21% vs. 9%), chanson (20% vs. 16%), rap (9% vs. 3%), and electronic music (7% vs. 3%).
• Education differences: The higher the level of education, the more respondents tend to prefer classical music, rock, and jazz. Those with higher education also show greater interest in pop, electronic, and bard music. Respondents with secondary education are more likely to prefer folk music and chanson.

• According to a survey conducted by the Rating Group in September 2019, the most popular film genres among Ukrainians are comedies (37%), historical films (31%), and melodramas (28%). These are followed by documentaries (18%), adventure films (15%), action movies (14%), and science fiction (13%). About 10% of respondents say they like dramas. Thrillers are popular with 7%, horror films with 6%, mystical films with 5%, and erotic films with 2%. Only 4% say they do not like films at all.
• Despite comedies remaining the top genre, their popularity has declined over the past decade (from 45% to 37%). Adventure films also saw a significant drop compared to 2009 (15% vs. 24%), and interest in melodramas decreased slightly. At the same time, interest in science fiction increased, along with a modest rise in popularity of historical and documentary films.
• Age differences: Younger people prefer comedies, action films, science fiction, horror, and thrillers more than older respondents. Interest in these genres declines with age. Overall, younger people like cinema more than older groups, while older respondents show greater interest in historical films and melodramas.
• Gender differences: Women are nearly five times more likely than men to enjoy melodramas (44% vs. 9%) and three times more likely to prefer dramas (14% vs. 5%). Women also like comedies more (41% vs. 32%). Men, by contrast, are about five times more likely to enjoy action movies (24% vs. 5%), and they show higher interest in historical, documentary, and science fiction films.
• Education: Preferences also vary by education level. The higher the level of education, the stronger the preference for historical, documentary, and science fiction films. Respondents with higher education also more often enjoy comedies, adventure films, and thrillers, while those with secondary education are more interested in action movies and melodramas.

• According to the results of a survey conducted by the Rating Group during September 6–10, 2019, 55% of respondents believe that affairs in Ukraine are moving in the right direction, 18% think they are moving in the wrong direction, and 26% were undecided. The direction of the country’s development is assessed most positively in the West and South, and relatively worse in the Center and East. Young people and voters of the Servant of the People party remain more optimistic. In contrast, relatively more pessimism is observed among the oldest respondents and supporters of the European Solidarity party and the Opposition Platform – For Life party.
• 71% of those surveyed are satisfied with the performance of the President of Ukraine, V. Zelenskyy, 11% hold the opposite view, and 18% were unable to form an opinion. Compared to July of the same year, the level of satisfaction with the President’s work increased by almost one and a half times.
• 29% positively assess the work of the Head of the Government, O. Honcharuk, while 11% assess it negatively. Two thirds have not yet been able to evaluate the new Prime Minister.
• 39% of respondents are satisfied with the work of the newly elected Verkhovna Rada, 16% are dissatisfied, and 45% were unable to assess it.
• An absolute majority of respondents (over 90%) support initiatives regarding the early termination of a Member of Parliament’s mandate for vote-rigging and absenteeism, the reduction of the number of MPs from 450 to 300, and the lifting of parliamentary immunity.
• More than 70% support granting legislative initiative to citizens of Ukraine, expanding the President’s powers to appoint the heads of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), as well as increasing the number of Human Rights Commissioners (ombudspersons). About two thirds support enshrining in the Constitution the norm on electing Members of Parliament under a proportional electoral system and abolishing the адвокатська (lawyer) monopoly.

• According to a survey conducted by Rating Group in Kyiv, 37% of residents believe that the city is moving in the right direction, 28% think it is moving in the wrong direction, and 35% were undecided.
  Regarding the situation in the country, 36% of Kyiv residents believe Ukraine is moving in the right direction, 23% think the opposite, and 41% were undecided.52% of respondents are satisfied with the performance of Volodymyr Zelenskyy (17% are dissatisfied), while 33% were undecided.
  Satisfaction levels with other officials and institutions in Kyiv are significantly lower:
  • Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko: 30% satisfied, 56% dissatisfied
  • Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman: 25% satisfied, 57% dissatisfied
  • Educational institutions of the capital: 19% satisfied, 55% dissatisfied
  • Kyiv City Council: 16% satisfied, 62% dissatisfied
  • Municipal services and medical institutions of Kyiv: 15% satisfied, 72% dissatisfied (each)
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• 72% of Kyiv residents believe that the President does not have the political right to appoint a head of the Kyiv City State Administration different from the person elected by Kyiv residents as mayor. 17% disagree, and 11% were undecided.
• 39% believe that Kyiv mayoral elections should be held as soon as possible, this year; 7% support early elections in the spring; meanwhile 43% favor holding them in October 2020 as scheduled.
• 43% think that Mayor Klitschko should be allowed to complete his term and be replaced through elections. At the same time, 39% support immediate re-election of the Kyiv mayor. Only 8% favor re-electing Klitschko for another term, while 10% were undecided.