News and Press releases

The fourth press release of the study ‘Changes in Children's Mental Health and Well-being’ is devoted to household chores. How much are Ukrainian teenagers burdened with household chores and how does this affect their psychological state?

In October 2025, Rating Group/Rating Lab surveyed more than 1,500 teenagers aged 10-18 and their parents using the unique Family 360° family research technology. In each publication, we discuss the mental health of teenagers and various aspects of their lives: gadgets and AI, emotional recognition by parents, dreams, household chores and stress, upbringing and punishment in the family, and bullying.

How much are children burdened with household chores?

• 56% of teenagers aged 10-18 often clean, wash dishes and do laundry. Another 21% do this from time to time, and 23% rarely or almost never.
• A little over a third of teenagers (36%) often cook meals. In contrast, 22% do so moderately, and 42% rarely cook.
• Slightly more teenagers take care of pets (here and further in this context, the percentage of children whose families have pets is given): 57% do this often, 21% do it moderately often, and 22% do it rarely.

However, it is important to look at the ‘extreme’ categories here:

• 13% of teenagers are constantly busy cleaning, washing dishes and doing laundry;
• 5% of teenagers are constantly involved in cooking;
• 18% constantly look after pets.

The role of gender stereotypes: girls are significantly more burdened than boys

• The vast majority of girls (65%) often do housework, while only half of boys (47%) do so. Among girls aged 14-18, 75% often do housework.
• Also, 44% of girls are often involved in cooking. In contrast, 28% of boys often cook. At the same time, younger girls aged 10-13 are as burdened with cooking as older boys aged 14-18 (in both categories, more than a third of teenagers often cook).
• Girls even take better care of pets: 61% of girls and 52% of boys do this often.

Are household chores harmful to children?

In general, household chores are beneficial. They contribute to the development of discipline, independence, the ability to achieve success (‘there were dirty dishes, I washed them – now they're gone’ is a clear example of early achievements), and the ability to maintain cleanliness.

In fact, children who never participate in household chores have lower stress resistance.

For example, among those who never cook, 61% have good stress resistance (resilience). Among teenagers who cook moderately often, this figure is around 75-77%.

But overloading a child is also harmful to their mental state. This is especially harmful to girls, as they are even more burdened with household chores.

Among teenagers who are constantly cleaning, washing dishes, and doing laundry, almost half (47%) experience significant stress. Among their peers who are less burdened with cleaning, this figure is significantly lower – 35%.

In general, it is best for a child's mental health to find a ‘happy medium’ when it comes to household chores. If a teenager is involved from time to time in cleaning or cooking, for example, this can be a good solution. The main thing is not to burden the child with excessive household responsibilities and not to take away their time for hobbies, socialising with friends, and childhood.

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About Family 360° technology

It is not worth making conclusions about teenagers without asking their opinion. That is why the Rating Group team launched Family 360° technology for family surveys, which focuses on the child who is being surveyed, as well as their parents, family members and, in some cases, teachers, doctors, psychologists, etc. Comparing the answers of children and their parents allows us to understand the relationships and changes within the family. We have previously used this approach successfully with our partners at UNICEF, KSE, and Ty Yak? when researching mine awareness, mental health, education, and career guidance.

About the study

We first researched the topic of mental health in the parent-child context in October 2024. This year, we decided to continue, expanding the topic and using longitudinal research techniques to better understand the dynamics. In October 2025, this survey covered more than 1,500 children/adolescents aged 10-18 and their parents.

Authors of the research idea: Svitlana Roiz, child and family psychologist, mother of two; Marianna Tkalych, CEO of Rating Lab, Doctor of Psychological Sciences, mother of Masha (17 years old); and Tetiana Skrypchenko, Deputy Director of Rating Group, mother of Solomiia (8 months old).

In the third publication on the study ‘Changes in Children's Mental Health and Well-being,’ learn about the following:

• How close are Ukrainian teenagers to their parents, and how does this affect the child's stress levels?
• Do parents think they are good at recognising their children's emotions?
• What helps to build closeness? Communication and hugs.
• How many children are rarely or never hugged by their parents?

In October 2025, Rating Group/Rating Lab surveyed more than 1,500 teenagers aged 10-18 and their parents using the unique Family 360° family research technology. In each publication, we discuss the mental health of teenagers and various aspects of their lives: gadgets and AI, parents' recognition of emotions, dreams, household chores and stress, upbringing and punishment in the family, and bullying.

Emotional connection with parents and stress

Most often, teenagers aged 10-18 have a very strong (40%) or strong (30%) emotional connection with their parents. Another 18% have a moderate connection, and 13% have a weak connection.

And the weaker the connection with parents, the more stress children experience

Two-thirds (62%) of teenagers who have a weak connection with their parents experience significant levels of stress. Among children who are very close to their parents, only 25% experience significant stress.

This trend is even stronger among older teenagers aged 14-18. In this age group, 67% of teenagers who have a weak connection with their parents experience significant stress.

How well do parents understand their children's emotions?

We asked parents to assess how often they can tell when their child is happy or sad. 

• 73% of parents think they can always tell when their child is happy.
• 55% of parents also believe they can always tell when their child is sad.

We also compared this with how often children tell their parents about their feelings and experiences. Overall, about half of teenagers often share their experiences with their parents, while a third do so rarely. The trend is consistent:

The more a child talks to their parents about their feelings, the more confident parents are in understanding their child's emotions

Among parents whose children often talk to them about their feelings, 78% believe that they can always recognize joy. Also, more than 60% of these parents think that they can always recognize sadness in their child.

Communication and hugs – simple and important things

Those who hug and communicate more have a much stronger emotional connection

Half (52%) of children who often share their experiences with their parents have the strongest level of emotional bond. Among those who rarely share their experiences, this figure is half as much (24%).

Hugs show an even stronger trend: children who hug their parents often are significantly more likely to have the strongest level of connection (50%). Among those whose parents hug them rarely or never, only 12% have such a strong connection.

But not every child experiences parental hugs

One in ten children (13%) aged 10-13 never hug their parents or do so rarely

Among older teenagers aged 14-18, this figure is 21%.

In contrast, only 6% of parents of children aged 10-13 and only 10% of parents of teenagers aged 14-18 say that they never hug their child or do so rarely. This gap in the responses of children and parents suggests that some children lack warm displays of affection from their parents. Perhaps their parents hug them, but not as much as they would like.

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About Family 360° technology

It is not worth making conclusions about teenagers without asking their opinion. That is why the Rating Group team launched Family 360° technology for family surveys, which focuses on the child who is being surveyed, as well as their parents, family members and, in some cases, teachers, doctors, psychologists, etc. Comparing the answers of children and their parents allows us to understand the relationships and changes within the family. We have previously used this approach successfully with our partners at UNICEF, KSE, and Ty Yak? when researching mine awareness, mental health, education, and career guidance.

About the study

We first researched the topic of mental health in the parent-child context in October 2024. This year, we decided to continue, expanding the topic and using longitudinal research techniques to better understand the dynamics. In October 2025, this survey covered more than 1,500 children/adolescents aged 10-18 and their parents.

Authors of the research idea: Svitlana Roiz, child and family psychologist, mother of two; Marianna Tkalych, CEO of Rating Lab, Doctor of Psychological Sciences, mother of Masha (17 years old); and Tetiana Skrypchenko, Deputy Director of Rating Group, mother of Solomiia (8 months old).

How often do teenagers consult AI about their emotions and feelings, and who does so more often? This is the topic of the second publication on the study ‘Changes in Children's Mental Health and Well-being.’

In October 2025, Rating Group/Rating Lab surveyed more than 1,500 teenagers aged 10-18 and their parents using the unique Family 360° family research technology. In each publication, we discuss the mental health of teenagers and various aspects of their lives: gadgets and AI, emotional recognition by parents, dreams, household chores and stress, upbringing and punishment in the family, and bullying.

How common is this phenomenon?

In general, every tenth teenager aged 10-18 often asks artificial intelligence for advice about their emotional state and mood. Most often, girls aged 14-18 (16%) consult AI.

In fact, one in six teenage girls aged 14-18 asks AI for advice about their emotional state and mood.

Among younger girls aged 10-13, this proportion is lower – 9%. Among boys, 5% of younger teenagers aged 10-13 and 7% of teenagers aged 14-18 often turn to AI for such advice.

At the same time, two-thirds of teenagers aged 10-18 never turn to AI for advice about their psychological state.

So teenagers see AI as a ‘psychologist’...?

65% of teenagers who often ask AI for advice about their emotional state have significant levels of stress (elevated or high). This is twice as often as their peers who rarely ask AI for such advice.

Some children do seek help from AI when experiencing certain emotions. Of course, consulting with artificial intelligence cannot replace a psychologist or psychotherapist. But in fact, some children do this (at least partially), and this is worth paying attention to.

…compensate for a lack of understanding from parents?

Teenagers who often turn to AI for advice about their emotional state have a weaker emotional connection with their parents.

Among those who frequently consult AI, only 23% have a very strong connection with their parents, while among those who rarely turn to AI, 42% have a strong connection with their parents. Thus, children seek support and guidance from AI that they may not be receiving from their loved ones.

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About Family 360° technology

It is not worth making conclusions about teenagers without asking their opinion. That is why the Rating Group team launched Family 360° technology for family surveys, which focuses on the child who takes the survey, as well as parents, family members, and in some cases teachers, doctors, psychologists, etc. Comparing the answers of children and their parents allows us to understand the relationships and changes within the family. We have previously used this approach successfully with our partners at UNICEF, KSE, and Ty Yak? when researching mine awareness, mental health, education, and career guidance.

About the study

We first researched the topic of mental health in the parent-child relationship in October 2024. This year, we decided to continue, expanding the scope of the topic and using longitudinal research techniques to better understand the dynamics. In October 2025, this survey covered more than 1,500 children/adolescents aged 10-18 and their parents.

The authors of this study are: Svitlana Royz, child and family psychologist, mother of two children; Marianna Tkalych, CEO of Rating Lab, Doctor of Psychological Sciences, mother of Masha (17 years old); Tetiana Skrypchenko, Deputy Director of Rating Group, mother of Solomiya (8 months old).

About Family 360° technology

It is not worth making conclusions about teenagers without asking their opinion.

That is why the Rating Group team launched Family 360° technology for family surveys, which focuses on the child who takes the survey, as well as parents, family members, and in some cases teachers, doctors, psychologists, etc. Comparing the answers of children and their parents allows us to understand the relationships and changes within the family. We have previously used this approach successfully with our partners at UNICEF, KSE, and Ty Yak? when researching mine awareness, mental health, education, and career guidance.

About the study

We first researched the topic of mental health in the parent-child context in October 2024. This year, we decided to continue, expanding the scope of the topic and using longitudinal research techniques to better understand the dynamics. In October 2025, this survey covered more than 1,500 children/adolescents aged 10-18 and their parents.

The authors of this research idea are: Svitlana Roiz, child and family psychologist, mother of two children; Marianna Tkalich, CEO of the Rating Lab research laboratory, Doctor of Psychology, mother of Masha (17 years old); Tetiana Skrypchenko, Deputy Director of the Rating Group, mother of Solomiya (8 months old).

Below are the first insights from the research series ‘Changes in Children's Mental Health and Well-being.’

Ukrainian children are experiencing increasing levels of stress

• In autumn 2024, Rating Group and UNICEF found that 27% of Ukrainian children had significant (high or elevated) levels of stress. By October 2025, this figure had risen to 37%.
• Stress increased particularly among girls aged 10-13. We surveyed more than 900 children from a previous study (longitudinal study) and found that stress had increased in 40% of girls in this age group over the course of a year.
• The increase in stress among adolescents is accompanied by certain (often negative) feelings. One in ten children/adolescents who have experienced increased stress have recently felt disappointment as their main emotion.
• On the other hand, children who have experienced decreased stress since 2024 are more likely to feel joy, calmness and interest. They experience less anxiety, sadness and disappointment.

How is this related to parental stress?

We found that in one in five cases, the main feeling of children and parents in recent times coincides. Most often, this feeling is anxiety.

Some children pick up anxiety from their parents, and the stress intensifies.

Anxiety is the most common feeling among children with high and elevated stress levels.

What helps children cope with stress?

So, how can you help your child cope with stress? The results of the Family 360° survey allow us to suggest several useful practices.

Build trusting relationships and communicate more.

About 77% of children who communicate relatively more often with their parents and loved ones about their feelings and experiences have good stress resistance (among those who communicate rarely, this figure is slightly more than half). The stress level in children who communicate frequently with their parents is twice as low.

Support your child's hobbies or help them find a favourite activity.

Children who often engage in their favourite activities are more likely to have low or moderate stress levels (68%). In contrast, less than half of their peers who rarely engage in hobbies have low or moderate stress levels.

Shared hobbies between children and parents are particularly beneficial

As our previous study showed, 57% of children who share a hobby with their parents are well adapted to stress. In other words, they have both high resilience and low stress levels. This has an even stronger effect on parents: 64% of parents who share a hobby with their children are adapted to stress.

Encourage your child to participate in sports and physical activities.

Most children who engage in physical activity frequently have high stress resilience (almost 60%). Among those who do not engage in sports or do so rarely, this figure is 38%.

Sports and physical activity are reliable factors in reducing stress in children.

On the other hand, it is worse when the child's only or main hobby is spending time on gadgets and video games. According to a previous study, the lowest levels of resilience (compared to peers who have other hobbies) are found in children whose hobbies are playing games on their phones or computers. Also, ‘sitting’ on the phone is not a very useful response to a stressful event: children who respond to a trigger by immersing themselves in their phone or computer also have low resilience.

On 27–31 July 2025, Rating Group conducted a nationwide survey commissioned by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) on public sentiment in Ukrainian society during wartime. The study focused on analysing citizens’ political orientations, levels of trust in state and public institutions and key leaders, as well as the population’s ideological attitudes.

Particular attention was paid to perceptions of the state of democracy during the war, expectations for political renewal, the role of military personnel and veterans in politics, protest sentiment, attitudes toward elections, and Ukrainians’ media consumption.

The data is current as of July 2025.

Rating Group found out how often Ukrainians consume alcoholic beverages and how this is connected to their relationships with a partner.

This is the second part of a survey conducted at the request of the Institute of Psychology and Psychotherapy. The first part — about Ukrainians’ relationships with their partners — can be viewed at the link.

Alcohol consumption

• 44% of respondents did not consume alcohol at all during the past month, 24% did so once a month, 21% — several times a month, 9% — several times a week, and 2% — daily or almost daily.
• Alcohol consumption is more common among younger (18–35 years) and middle-aged (36–50 years) respondents, men, and those who have a partner.
• Less affluent respondents reported drinking alcohol less frequently.
  

Drinking together with a partner

• Respondents more often consume alcohol separately from their partners.
• During the past month, 61% did not drink alcohol together with their partner at all, 19% did so once a month, 15% — several times a month, and 4% — several times a week.
• Joint alcohol consumption is less common among older respondents (51+) and those who report having poor relationships with their partners.

Impact on relationships with a partner

• An overwhelming majority (81%) of respondents who have a partner said that alcohol consumption does not affect their relationship.13% believe it worsens the relationship, while 2% think it improves it.
• Concerns about alcohol having a negative impact on relationships are more frequently expressed by young people aged 18–35, those who have poor relationships with their partners, and those who do not drink alcohol together.

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Rating Group is one of the largest research institutions in Ukraine, operating on the market since 2008.The company is registered in Ukraine and has extensive experience conducting sociological surveys both in Ukraine and abroad. The group includes the following divisions: Rating Sociological Group, Rating Lab (Research Laboratory), Rating Online Platform, and Rating Call Center.

At the end of July 2025, Rating Group conducted a survey among Ukrainians about their relationships with their partners. How many Ukrainians have a partner, and how do they assess their relationships?

The study was commissioned by the Institute of Psychology and Psychotherapy.

Relationship status and evaluation

• 70% of surveyed Ukrainians have a partner, while 30% do not.
• Among those who have a partner, two-thirds describe their relationship as very good, and another 30% — as rather good.
• Young people are more likely than other age groups to rate their relationships as very good (71%). The views of men and women on the state of their relationships do not differ significantly.

Changes in relationships

• According to one-third of respondents, their relationships have improved recently.60% said their relationships have not changed, while 6% reported they have worsened.
• Improvements were more often noted by young people (45%) and by those who describe their relationships as very good (43%).

Spending time together

• About one-third of respondents said that during the past month they spent time together with their partner — engaging in hobbies, going for walks, reading, or watching movies (excluding household chores) — every day or almost every day.
• A quarter did so several times a week, 16% — several times a month, 8% — once a month, and 15% — not at all.
• Older respondents (51 and older) were more likely to report spending time together almost daily (46%), as well as those who describe their relationships as very good (43%).

On September 29, 2025, Oleksiy Antypovych, CEO of Rating Group, took part in the roundtable “Building National Resilience: The Role of Local Self-Government” (organized by the Institute of the City and the National Platform for Resilience and Cohesion, moderated by Oleh Saakyan) within the framework of Ukrainian Resilience Week. Ukrainian Resilience Week is an annual event where local authorities, experts, and international partners gather to strengthen the resilience of Ukrainian cities.

Using Rating Group’s data, Oleksiy Antypovych shared insights into what helps Ukrainians maintain resilience. The discussion was based on findings from the academic study “Problems of Social Cohesion in Ukraine”, conducted by the Rating Sociological Group in collaboration with Dr. Nataliia Chernysh, Doctor of Sociology. Commenting on the results, CEO Oleksiy Antypovych noted:

“The resilience index currently stands at 3.6 out of 5 possible points, which is above the average level. And yes, of course, our society faces very serious challenges to resilience and unity every day. Yet Ukrainians continue to remain resilient, and there are many positive indicators: the vast majority of respondents feel a sense of unity with other citizens and their communities, and they look optimistically toward Ukraine’s future. This resilience is also reflected in concrete actions: over 70% of people financially support the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and about half of the respondents help refugees, internally displaced persons, and people with disabilities.”

Rating Group systematically studies issues of social resilience, cohesion, and well-being. Learn more on this topic in the following materials:

• Problems of Social Cohesion in Ukraine
• Presentation by Rating Group Deputy Director Tetiana Skrypchenko: “Promoting Resilience and Social Cohesion under Occupation”
• Regional Ranking by the Local Well-Being Index 2024 by Rating Lab

Hlib Kuzmenko, research expert and Head of Communications at Rating Group, commented on Ukrainians’ migration intentions on Apostrof TV on September 23, 2025. As a reminder, a Rating Group survey showed that 11% of Ukrainians overall — and nearly 20% among young people aged 18–35 — would like to move abroad permanently.

According to Hlib Kuzmenko, these figures do not mean that all of these respondents will definitely leave Ukraine. Rather, Ukrainians’ real decisions will depend on the further situation at the front. There is also a difference between an abstract desire and actual plans to move:

"To conclude that all these people will definitely leave would be a mistaken assumption. To some extent, the percentages here also depend on how the question is asked. Recently, the research laboratory Rating Lab asked Ukrainians whether they plan to move somewhere after the war — that is, not about an abstract desire but about potential plans. And in that case, the share of those who would leave was more than twice as low."

At the same time, the expert noted that migration intentions are indeed stronger among young people, and this may pose certain risks for the country’s economic development:

"Young people are the category with noticeably stronger migration intentions. And this is something that deserves attention. They are often active individuals who want to work and are ready to take on certain initiatives. In other words, they are potentially very economically active citizens."

How do Ukrainians perceive the challenges that veterans face when returning to civilian life? What forms of support do they consider most important?

The sociological company Rating Group and the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) in Ukraine explored this as part of the nationwide survey “Trust, Reforms, and EU Integration: What Ukrainians Think in 2025.”

Veterans’ challenges

• The biggest challenges that veterans face when returning to civilian life, according to respondents, are most often related to health issues: post-traumatic stress and stress disorders (63%), disability (54%), and health problems in general (51%). In addition, 40% mention alcoholism and drug addiction.
• Lack of employment is noted by 43%.
• While only 12% point to the lack of access to education and training.

Veterans’ support

• The majority of Ukrainians (62%) consider rehabilitation to be the most important form of support.
• This is followed by employment opportunities (47%) and access to medical care (43%).
• Another 27% highlighted support from veterans’ communities, while 6% mentioned education and training.

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

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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See more:

• Press Release of the Study
• Video Recording of the Presentation

The European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine and the Rating Group present the results of the annual nationwide Public Opinion Survey, offering a comprehensive picture of how Ukrainians perceive reforms, institutions, threats, challenges, and the country’s path toward EU membership.

Since 2015, EUAM Ukraine has commissioned this survey to ensure its support to Ukrainian partners is rooted in credible, evidence-based data. The 2025 results highlight encouraging trends in public trust of civilian security sector institutions, alongside clear challenges in areas crucial for reforms and European integration.

Trust in institutions

• Ukrainians continue to demonstrate strong confidence in their international partners. The European Union (63%), the International Monetary Fund (58%), NATO (54%), and the Council of Europe (53%) enjoy the highest levels of trust, while the United Nations (40%) and the OSCE (37%) are also seen as essential supporters of Ukraine.
• Among Ukrainian state security and law enforcement institutions, the National Guard of Ukraine (84%) and the Security Service of Ukraine (78%) are the two that enjoy the highest levels of trust. The State Border Guard Service (62%) and the National Police (48%) also record stable confidence levels.
• Younger Ukrainians (18–29) display particularly high confidence in security agencies, a reflection of their direct experience of the war and the crucial role these institutions play in protecting lives and communities. This trust also underlines that reforms are recognised by the younger generation, offering optimism that Ukraine’s future leaders see value in building resilient, EU-aligned public institutions even under conditions of war.

Attitudes towards EU integration and reforms

• A strong majority (68%) of Ukrainians believe that their country will succeed in implementing the necessary reforms for EU accession. At the same time, only 8% expect Ukraine to join the EU within one to two years. Most often, Ukrainians expect the accession to take place within five years (25%) or five to ten years (31%).
• The reforms viewed most positively by citizens are digital transformation (70% satisfied) and progress on gender equality (60%).
• The survey reveals continued dissatisfaction with anti-corruption efforts, with 86% of respondents expressing disapproval, making it the most pressing challenge to Ukraine’s reform agenda.

Evaluation of EU's support of Ukraine

• When asked about the most relevant forms of EU assistance, Ukrainians highlighted the fight against corruption (62%), support in investigating war crimes (44%), and assistance to liberated territories from the russian occupation (40%).
• Strategic communication was rated as the most effective area of EU support (55%), reflecting citizens’ demand for accurate and transparent information about the reform process.
• Nearly half of the respondents (49%) also consider EU accession consultations effective.

Challenges and hybrid threats

• The survey highlights public concern about hybrid threats from Russia, with 81% believing such threats are increasing.
• Online recruitment by russian special services (42%), fake news (32%), and cyberattacks (23%) are cited as the most concerning.
• Two-thirds of Ukrainians assess the country’s preparedness to counter hybrid warfare as moderate

Information sources and disinformation

• 51% of Ukrainians continue to rely on Telegram as their main source of information, with YouTube (25%) and personal networks (22%) also playing significant roles.
• At the same time, social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram are viewed as the primary sources of disinformation (58%), followed by messenger channels (45%).
• Independent journalists and the Centre for Countering Disinformation (CCD) remain the most trusted actors in debunking fake news.

Veterans' reintegration

• Respondents identified post-traumatic stress and stress-related disorders (63%), disability (54%), and health problems (51%) as the main challenges facing veterans returning to civilian life.
• The majority (62%) see rehabilitation as the most important form of support.
• It is followed by employment opportunities (47%) and access to healthcare (43%).

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

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"

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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.

"Проблеми соціальної згуртованості в Україні" - нове наукове дослідження Соціологічної групи Рейтинг (Rating Group) у співпраці з Наталією Черниш, доктором соціологічних наук, професором кафедри соціології Львівського національного університету ім. Івана Франка.

‍У фокусі дослідження - самоідентифікація українців, довіра одне до одного, рівень соціальної стійкості, готовність допомагати іншим й інші індикатори соціальної згуртованості.

Самоідентифікація

• Абсолютна більшість українців (94%) відчувають себе громадянами України.
• За час повномасштабної війни самоідентифікація українців ще більше змістилася у бік країни загалом: люди асоціюють себе скоріше з Україною загалом, ніж зі своїм регіоном (77%).
• Більше половини (52%) вважають себе європейцями та лише 8% вважають себе радянською людиною.

Цінності

Коли респондентів попросили обрати до трьох найважливіших цінностей з переліку, найчастіше позначали перемогу України (62%), родину та близьких (53%), власне здоров’я (34%), незалежність української держави (26%), відновлення України (20%). Це екзистенційні цінності, цінності виживання. Ці результати співзвучні з нещодавнім дослідженням Rating Group про цінності українців.

Довіра в суспільстві

• Загальний Індекс довіри в суспільстві має середній рівень (3,0). Шкала: від 1 (мінімум довіри) до 5 (максимум).
• Найвища довіра - до близького кола (3.9), тобто рідних, друзів, мешканців міста/села. Менше довіряють суспільному колу (2.9), тобто інституціям, організаціям, владі, мешканцям України тощо, а також колу "інших людей" (2.4), тобто незнайомим людям у випадкових ситуаціях, людям інших політичних поглядів або національності.
• ‍Понад третина респондентів довіряє мешканцям України (36%, ще 42% вагаються), дещо менше - мешканцям міста/села (30%, ще 42% вагаються).
• Серед інституцій українці висловлюють найвищу довіру до волонтерських організацій (63%). Менше довіряють громадським організаціям (30%, ще 37% вагаються), місцевій (25%, ще 27% вагаються) і центральній (24%, ще 26% вагаються) владі.

Соціальний капітал і громадське життя

• В умовах повномасштабної війни в українському суспільстві виріс соціальний капітал: 86% українців надавали допомогу людям, які опинились у складній ситуації під час війни, зокрема 27% переважно допомагали людям за межами родинного кола.
• Половина респондентів налагодила і зберегла зв’язки, що виникли через об’єднання з іншими людьми для взаємопідтримки. У деяких випадках ці взаємозв’язки ставали інституціоналізованими: близько 10% респондентів є членами громадської організації, а 43% мають таких людей серед найближчого оточення (родичі, друзі).
• Серед типів громадської активності українці надають перевагу допомозі іншим. Респонденти активно допомагають ЗСУ – 70% постійно або час від часу допомагають фінансово, 44% - нефінансово (сітки, свічки, ремонт авто тощо). Також відносно поширеною є допомога біженцям, переселенцям, людям з інвалідністю (49%).
• Інші види активності не є такими поширеними: 23% беруть участь у громадських слуханнях та підписанні петицій, 20% - вирішенні спільних проблем в житті територіальної громади, 13% - у громадських акціях і мітингах.
• Більш активними є мешканці Заходу і Центру, а також більш забезпечені опитані.

Соціальна стійкість

• Українське суспільство зберігає стійкість. Індекс стійкості складає 3.6 (вище середнього рівня) за шкалою від 1 (мінімум) до 5 (максимум).
• Абсолютна більшість оптимістично оцінює як майбутнє України (76%), так і власне (72%).
• Більше 70% вважають, що можуть самостійно впоратися з проблемами, які в них виникають.
• Окрім того, високим є відчуття єдності з іншими українцями, його висловлюють майже дві третини респондентів. З місцевою громадою себе ідентифікують 53%.
• Дещо нижчими є оцінка рівня солідарності та взаємодопомоги (48%), справедливості (45%) у суспільстві та впевненість в тому, що держава у кризовій ситуації ухвалить правильне рішення (44%).

‍

Rating Group — одна з найбільших дослідницьких інституцій України, яка на ринку з 2008 року. Компанія  зареєстрована в Україні та має значний досвід проведення соціологічних опитувань в Україні та за кордоном. До групи входять: Соціологічна група Рейтинг, дослідницька лабораторія Rating Lab, платформа Rating Online та Rating Call Center.

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.

More resources:

• Video
• Research case (mine safety)
• News on State Emergency Service webstie

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

More materials:

• Full news at LB.ua
• Press release of the Rating Group study

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%).

See more:

• Press release of the study
• Record the air