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The sociological company Rating Group and the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) in Ukraine have presented the results of a new study titled “Trust, Reforms, and EU Integration: What Ukrainians Think in 2025.” This continues the tradition of an annual nationwide public opinion survey that provides a comprehensive understanding of Ukrainians’ attitudes toward reforms, institutions, threats, challenges, and the country’s path to EU membership.
The event took place on September 25, 2025, at the Ukraine Crisis Media Center with the participation of the following speakers:
- Rolf Holmboe, Head of EUAM Ukraine
- Gediminas Navickas, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine
- Kateryna Pavlichenko, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
- Oleksiy Antypovych, CEO of Rating Group
According to the study’s findings, Ukrainians continue to demonstrate high levels of trust in their international partners, with the European Union (63%), the International Monetary Fund (58%), NATO (54%), and the Council of Europe (53%) enjoying the highest levels of trust. A clear majority of Ukrainians (68%) also believe that the country will be able to successfully implement the necessary reforms to join the EU.
The discussion participants emphasized the importance of the survey, which has been initiated by EUAM since 2015. Oleksiy Antypovych, CEO of Rating Group, noted that this is already the second such study conducted by Rating Group for EUAM since the beginning of the full-scale war.
"It is very important that this study shows dynamics. The best way to look at sociology is precisely in dynamics — then you understand where society and the country are heading,” said Oleksiy Antypovych, CEO of Rating Group
The speakers reflected on the fact that monitoring public sentiment is also important for building effective communication between European institutions and Ukrainian society.
"The results of this survey are very important. It can help us understand what society thinks, what concerns people have, whom they trust, and how they view reforms. European institutions, such as the EU Advisory Mission, also bear responsibility to the people of Ukraine. The findings of the study can guide us on how to communicate better and engage in dialogue,” said Rolf Holmboe, Head of EUAM Ukraine
Such communication should also contribute to better awareness among Ukrainians about the EU system, its legislation, rules, and everyday conditions. This will help Ukrainians look at European integration in a more realistic way:
"Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ukrainians have started to realize that Europe is not only about ‘greener grass’ and ‘clearer skies.’ It is also about rules, laws, and the absence of corruption. Because of the war, we have all come to fully recognize ourselves as Ukrainians and to appreciate the value of our own state. Going forward, our sense of European identity will continue to grow. And in some respects, we will even take a more sober view of EU accession,” said Oleksiy Antypovych, CEO of Rating Group
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Deputy Director of Rating Group Tetiana Skrypchenko took part in the international scientific conference on the social challenges of the Russian-Ukrainian war from the research center Konflikt und Kooperation im östlichen Europa (Germany).
In the report "Fostering Resilience and Social Cohesion under Occupation", Tetiana Skrypchenko talks about how Ukrainians manage to maintain resilience, how communities unite, and what conclusions should be drawn to further strengthen Ukrainian society. The report is based on data from Rating Group research.
See some of the key insights below. See the full report "Emancipatory Dimensions of In:Security – Strategies of Coping with War Challenges in Ukraine" in the attached file.
On the importance of social resilience
"Efforts to build resilience are not just about survival but also about resistance and empowerment. Resilience helps Ukraine stand up to Russian control, both on the frontline and in society. Community resilience, in particular, plays an important role in establishing emancipatory practices, fostering a sense of agency and security, and rejecting imposed narratives. By focusing on both national unity and local support, Ukraine can make sure that resilience works as a bulwark against outside threats and insecurity."
On the ways of uniting communities
How to strengthen community cohesion? Based on research by the Rating Group and Rating Lab, Tetiana Skrypchenko notes the important understanding that levels of resilience vary by group. For example, resilience is lower among the less affluent and women of all ages. Low resilience in these groups can lead to greater stress, long-term psychological problems, less social participation and higher risks, which exacerbates inequality.
Also based on research by the Rating Group and the Transatlantic Dialogue Center (2024), Tetiana Skrypchenko mentions methods such as, for example, involving local residents in projects aimed at supporting Ukrainian defenders; reviving national customs.
On the experience of the deoccupied regions
"Respondents noted an increased sense of national and regional identity, with many stating that they had become more ‘Ukrainian’ because of the war. It is crucial to consider these experiences and establish institutions for remembering the wartime and occupation experience. Regional initiatives to address collective trauma should be scaled up to national level in order to foster unity and sustain resilience"
Recently, the Rating Group team recently released another study on the resilience and cohesion of Ukrainian society with the participation of sociology professor Natalia Chernysh.
The Rating Group sociological agency and the EU Advisory Mission in Ukraine (EUAM Ukraine) invite journalists to attend the presentation of a new survey entitled ‘Trust, reforms and EU integration: what Ukrainians think in 2025’!
- Date: 25 September 2025
- Time: 11:00–12:20
- Venue: Ukrainian Crisis Media Centre, 2 Khreshchatyk Street, Kyiv (Ukrainian House)
The survey results will be published on the Rating Group website.
Event programme
11:00 – 11:02 | Welcome Remarks
- Moderator – opening, introduction of speakers.
11:02 – 11:12 | Opening Statement
- Rolf Holmboe, Head of Mission, EUAM Ukraine
The importance of public perception in advancing civilian security sector reforms and Ukraine’s EU path.
11:12 – 11:22 | Key Findings of the Survey
- Oleksii Antypovych, Director of the Rating Group
Presentation of methodology, main results and trends.
11:22 – 11:32 | EU Perspective
- Gediminas Navickas, Deputy Head of EU Delegation to Ukraine
The survey results are analysed in the context of Ukraine’s EU accession process and EU perception in Ukraine.
11:32 – 11:42 | Ukraine’s Government Perspective on EU Integration
- Representative from the Office of the Vice Prime Minister on European and Euro Atlantic Integration of Ukraine (tbc)
On the significance of EU accession support.
11:42 – 11:52 | National Perspective on Institutions and Reforms
- Kateryna Pavlichenko, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs
Comments on public trust in national institutions, including the MoIA agencies, and ongoing reforms.
11:52 – 12:12 | Q&A with Media and Audience
12:12 – 12:20 | Closing Remarks
See also the news item on the EUAM Ukraine website.
The sociological company Rating Group has released a study titled “Problems of Social Cohesion in Ukraine.” This is a joint academic project with Nataliia Chernysh, Doctor of Sociology and Professor at the Department of Sociology of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv.
The research team examined how resilient and cohesive Ukrainians are, the extent to which we trust one another, and whether we are willing to help others.
"We wanted to determine the actual state of national resilience in Ukrainian society and to measure it through the language of numbers. In the summer of 2025, the National Resilience Index stood at 3.6 out of 5. Its slight decline is due to the prolonged war as well as the drop in trust in government. At the same time, we record a strengthening of social bonds and their growing role. This is crucial for withstanding Russian aggression, maintaining hope for ultimate victory, and ensuring post-war renewal,” said Nataliia Chernysh, Doctor of Sociology and Professor.
As noted by Roman Borysov, Head of the Analytics Division at the Department of Strategic Research of Rating Group:
"Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, civic identity has taken the leading position, clearly surpassing regional identity, for example. It has become a key factor of unity, and the duration of its effect has already exceeded the typical span of the ‘rally ’round the flag’ phenomenon. As for the markers of societal resilience, these are primarily trust within society and direct manifestations of social capital: the experience of helping others, volunteering, mutual support, and participation in civic organizations."
Roman Borysov also emphasizes the importance of synergy between the research agency and the academic community:
"This project is a great example of fruitful collaboration between Rating Group as a research agency and scholars from the academic world. It is a particular pleasure to work with the giants of Ukrainian science, especially Nataliia Yosypivna Chernysh, who stood at the origins of modern Ukrainian sociology. Her profound knowledge, insight, and genuine enthusiasm are truly inspiring, encouraging us to rethink our approaches and to open up new perspectives for the development of sociology."
Learn more about Ukrainians’ cohesion and societal trust in the press release of the study.
Rating Group insights become the base for effective mine safety advertising!
The State Emergency Service of Ukraine and GSC Game World (creators of the Stalker series) have released a video in which the main character of Stalker 2, Skif, demonstrates the basics of mine safety. According to the State Emergency Service, the video takes into account the results of a study on mine safety among Ukrainian teenagers conducted by the Rating Group and UNICEF (2024). The research part was carried out by Rating Lab: the team developed an original mine safety test and surveyed more than 25,000 Ukrainian teenagers and their parents.
"Being brave, stalker, means being cautious" (from the video)
According to the study, boys aged 14-15 and 16-17 are the most at risk when it comes to explosive objects. Among other things, this is due to the typical hobbies of teenage boys: computer games and related media content, which somewhat distances them from the idea of real risks. The State Emergency Service and the creators of Stalker 2 took this data into account and were able to effectively convey information on how to protect the lives and health of children and others.
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September 9, 2025 CEO of Rating Group Oleksiy Antypovych participated in the panel discussion “New Country” (organized by LB.ua and EFI Group) on key social, political and economic challenges for Ukraine.
The speakers of the event were also the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the investment company EFI Group Igor Liski, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Oleksandr Kornienko, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the USA Olga Stefanishina and the representative of the Ministry of Ukraine Ilya Pavlenko.
Oleksiy Antypovych commented on the public sentiment towards the end of the war. A recent survey by Rating Group shows that Ukrainians support the general idea of a diplomatic settlement, but a prerequisite for peace is reliable security guarantees from partners. 82% consider negotiations a realistic way to end the war (62% for finding a compromise with the involvement of other countries, 20% — for direct negotiations with the Russian Federation). At the same time, 75% believe that Ukraine should agree to a ceasefire only under the condition of international security guarantees.
“The most important thing about those figures is that there is nothing about peace at any cost,” - Oleksiy Antypovych, CEO of Rating Group
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Hlib Kuzmenko, research expert and Head of Communications Rating Group commented to Express Online (journalist - Bogdan Kufryk). The focus is the Rating Group's research on the socio-political sentiments of Ukrainians and the conditions for the end of the war.
About negotiations
“82% of respondents [Ukrainians] support the diplomatic path: 62% — the option of negotiations with the involvement of other countries, 20% — direct negotiations with the Russian Federation. On the other hand, this does not mean that Ukrainians are ready for peace at any cost. It is only a matter of readiness for a diplomatic solution.”
Why Ukrainians are fighting first of all for the future of children and freedom, not for territory and resources
According to the Ratin Group socio-political survey, most respondents believe that we are fighting with Russia for the future of our children (60%) and freedom (44%). About the territory is spoken by 19%, and about resources - 11%.
“This does not mean that citizens are indifferent to our territories and resources. In the end, Ukrainians at the front are defending their borders, territorial integrity. It is more about the fact that people (especially relatives), peaceful life and security, as well as freedom are our fundamental values. We are fighting for our existence, and it is impossible without freedom. We also want peace, but not at the cost of freedom. But the war for territories and resources is part of Russia's strategic culture, their strategic communication. The Kremlin communicates to the Russians that the West wants to seize their territories, minerals, etc., so they say, they must strike first.
Recall that, according to the data surveys on the values of Ukrainians, the main goals of society now are family security (73%), life in peace (62%), freedom (56%) and national security (55%). At the same time, responsibility and independence are two strong traits that are key to all major goals.
See more:
- Commentary in the publication Express Online
- Press release survey on social and political sentiment
- Press release Values survey
On Friday, September 5, 2025, on ProUA broadcast (presenter - Andriy Kulikov) Rating Group CEO Oleksiy Antypovych commented on the August survey of social and political attitudes of Ukrainians conducted by the Rating Sociological Group.
“Ukrainians see the financing and armament of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as the main guarantee from partners. That is, we take responsibility for our safety first and foremost,” - Oleksiy Antypovych, CEO of the Rating Group
According to the study, 52% of Ukrainians identified the financing of the army and the supply of weapons from partners as a key guarantee. Among other key guarantees, Ukrainians cite the commitment of the Allies to enter the war in the event of a repeat attack (48%) and international patrolling of air and sea space (44%).
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Rating Group CEO Oleksiy Antypovcyh commented on whether permission for young men aged 18-22 to cross the border will impact mobilization and migration. The comment was provided for El País based on the data by the Rating Lab research laboratory.
The article on government reform and mobilization in Ukraine (author - Óscar Gutiérrez) states the following:
"According to the Rating Lab data, the largest intention to move abroad is among young people aged 25-34, followed by those aged 20-24 and 16-19...War, threat to life is a very significant reason – this is mentioned by 60% of those respondents who often thought about going abroad
Oleksiy Antypovych discusses whether the reform possesses risk of "draining" human capital and recruitment pool:
"Its is possible. But in practices, Ukrainians' decision to move abroad depend on how the war unfolds in the future and how long it will last", - Oleksiy Antypovych, Rating Group CEO
The Rating Group, Lviv Media Forum and International Media Support (IMS) presented the results of a new study "Media Audience Segments in Ukraine". The event took place on August 29, 2025 at the Kyivinform Press Centre.
Speakers:
- Oleksiy Antypovych, CEO of the Rating Group
- Zurab Alasania - Media Advisor IMS (International Media Support)
- Olha Bilousenko - Head of the Research Department of the NGO "Lviv Media Forum"
The study showed how Ukrainians are divided according to their media consumption, which media they trust the most, and how they counteract disinformation:
"We thank International Media Support and the Lviv Media Forum for this study... Together we devoted a month to developing the methodology and approached the issue of disinformation very professionally... 59% of Ukrainians belong to the more vulnerable audience. But the most interesting thing turned out to be not this: all categories of consumers (both traditional media, online, "omnivorous", and those who generally avoid information) are vulnerable to disinformation", - Oleksiy Antypovych, Rating Group CEO
Resources:
Rating Group and UNICEF Ukraine have published the results of a joint large-scale study on the mental health of Ukrainians. "Mind frames" is a unique project within the framework of the All-Ukrainian mental health program "How are you?" (an initiative of First Lady Olena Zelenska).
The research part was carried out by the Research Laboratory Rating Lab. The team developed a special methodology and surveyed five target audiences at once: parents of children aged 0-9; children aged 10-17 and their parents; young people aged 18-25 and other adults. The special methodology allows you to compare the answers of parents and their children.
According to the results, about half of Ukrainians have high or elevated levels of stress. The study also demonstrates how important strong relationships between parents and children, caring, and shared hobbies are for mental health. These are essential factors in adapting to stress, especially in wartime.
"Mental health is the foundation of every child's well-being. This research reveals not only the importance of loving and engaging caregivers but how parenthood can improve adults' resilience, helping the family to better cope with the stress of living through wartime. There is an urgent need to support families through access to quality social services and resources for their mental well-being, regardless of their life circumstances, and wherever they live," - Shameza Abdulla, UNICEF Representative (a.i.) to Ukraine (as cited on the UNICEF website)
"Mind Frames" also became one of the largest projects of Rating Group/Rating Lab.
"Mind Frames" is a unique study and one of the largest projects of Rating Group and Rating Lab. A large team of analysts and experts, a large complex sample (almost 12 thousand people, but special attention to parents and their children aged 10-17). And, of course, a large set of topics: resilience, stress, triggers and reactions to them, hobbies, psychological help. We are very grateful to our partners with UNICEF Ukraine and the "How are you?" program. It is important that the idea of supporting mental health is promoted at such a high level. In turn, Rating Lab is always ready to provide valid and reliable data," - Marianna Tkalich, founder and CEO of Rating Lab, Doctor of Psychological Sciences
How is society's attitude toward the military changing? Should we expect serious conflicts?
Follow the link to read a new article by BBC News Ukraine with data from Rating Group. Lyubomyr Mysiv, deputy director of the company, provides commentary.
Cover image: Getty Images/BBC collage.
On June 25, 2025, the Deposit Guarantee Fund presented the results of a nationwide survey on financial services consumers' awareness of the deposit guarantee system. For the second time since 2022, data for this socio-economic study was collected by Rating Group.
“We understand how much Ukraine has changed since the start of the full-scale invasion... And it is important that, despite such colossal changes, the data shows growing confidence in the banking system and the Deposit Guarantee Fund,” said Oleksiy Antypovych, CEO of Rating Group.
Links:
Civilians respect veterans, but do not always understand their experience. Therefore, certain positive and negative stereotypes and challenges for the adaptation of veterans are formed.
This is stated in the joint study "Stigmatization of Veterans: The Situation in Ukraine and the Experience of the USA" by the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation of the Ministry of Veteran Affairs, the Rating Group and Syracuse University, which was presented on April 17, 2025. Rating Group carried out the second stage of the study - an analysis of the views of the partners of veterans regarding their stigmatization.
The company's director Oleksiy Antipovych also joined the presentation of the results.
This project also continues our good tradition of cooperation with the Ukrainian Veterans Fund, which has been ongoing since researching the image of veterans and the challenges in their experience.
See the research report at the link.
Thank you to all partners for their cooperation!
Today, Rating Group officially became a corporate member of ESOMAR - European Society of Marketing Research Professionals, one of the most famous research associations in the world.
We thank our new partners for their trust and continue our work in accordance with the highest research standards.
Rating Group is also a member of WAPOR, ISA, and the Sociological Association of Ukraine (SAU).