Press releases

• According to the results of a survey conducted by Rating Group among residents of constituency No. 179, respondents assess local conditions significantly more positively than the overall situation in the country. Only 19% believe the country is moving in the right direction, while 63% think otherwise. Regarding the situation in the region, 24% say things are moving in the right direction, 51% in the wrong direction, and about a quarter could not assess. At the local level, nearly a third believe things are developing in the right direction, while 56% say the opposite. Urban residents, younger people, and more affluent respondents are more optimistic than other groups.
• 43% of respondents are satisfied with the performance of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, while 45% are dissatisfied. Urban residents, younger respondents, and those with higher incomes rate the President’s work more positively. Among party supporters, the highest share of positive evaluations comes from supporters of Servant of the People, while the most critical views are held by voters of European Solidarity and Opposition Platform – For Life.
• Yuliia Svitlychna leads the trust ratings among local politicians: 70% trust her and 21% do not. S. Chernov, Head of the Kharkiv Regional Council, is trusted by 24%, distrusted by 22%, and 45% do not know him. O. Kucher, Head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration, is trusted by 24%, distrusted by 29%, 28% do not know him, and 19% were undecided. V. Alekseychuk is largely unknown (84%); 3% trust her and 11% do not.
• 67% of respondents are aware that by-elections for a Member of Parliament in their constituency will take place on March 15, 2020. 64% expressed definite readiness to participate. Pre-election mobilization is somewhat higher among older and less affluent residents.
• Yuliia Svitlychna leads electoral preferences among candidates: 62.3% of decided voters who intend to vote are ready to support her. 12.5% support V. Alekseychuk (candidate of Servant of the People), and 8.5% support O. Didenko (representing Opposition Platform – For Life). Other candidates each receive less than 2%. About one in five voters remains undecided.
• In party ratings, Servant of the People leads with 42.8% among decided voters intending to participate. Opposition Platform – For Life follows with 30.4%. Other parties trail significantly: Batkivshchyna (4.8%), Radical Party (4.2%), European Solidarity (3.6%), Shariy Party (2.6%), and Strength and Honor (2.3%). Others are below 1%. About 11–12% are undecided.
• 55% do not know who represented the constituency before the by-election, while 42% do. Only 21% believe the previous MP paid sufficient attention to local issues; 51% disagree, and 28% could not answer.
• The most pressing regional problems, according to respondents, are lack of jobs (67%) and low wage levels. Other key issues include industrial decline (38%), poor road conditions (36%), poor-quality medical services (34%), poverty (33%), decline of agriculture (26%), drug addiction and alcoholism (23%), and depopulation of villages (20%).

• According to the results of a survey conducted by the Rating Group on February 22–23, 2020, 74% of respondents do not support the protests against the placement of Ukrainians evacuated from China that took place shortly before the survey. Only 15% support such actions, while 11% were undecided.
• The higher the level of education and income, the stronger the rejection of the protests against evacuation. In regional terms, the highest share of those who did not support such actions was recorded in the South of the country (80%).

• The results of a survey conducted by the Rating Group during February 5–11, 2020, in Ternopil demonstrated that city residents assess the local situation significantly better than the overall situation in the country. Thus, only 18% believe that the country is moving in the right direction, while 59% hold the opposite opinion. At the same time, almost half say that affairs in Ternopil are developing in the right direction, while 35% say the opposite.
• Among local politicians, residents of Ternopil have the most positive attitude toward the city mayor S. Nadal: 59% positive, 16% negative, 24% neutral. Attitudes toward S. Barna are positive among 21%, negative among 31%, neutral among 35%, and 13% do not know him. Attitudes toward R. Pastukh are positive among 16%, negative among 13%, neutral among 26%, and 44% do not know him. Attitudes toward M. Ratushniak are positive among 14%, negative among 12%, neutral among 21%, and 53% do not know him. Attitudes toward P. Landiak are positive among 14%, negative among 10%, neutral among 21%, and 56% do not know him. Attitudes toward V. Hevko are positive among 10%, negative among 11%, neutral among 20%, and 59% do not know him. More than 60% of respondents do not know other politicians.
• The leader in trust among national politicians among residents of Ternopil is Volodymyr Zelenskyi: 42% trust him, while 50% do not. A. Hrytsenko is trusted by 30% and not trusted by 52%; S. Vakarchuk by 28% and 56% respectively; P. Poroshenko by 22% and 71%; I. Smeshko by 22% and 51%, while 16% do not know him; Y. Tymoshenko by 14% and 77%; O. Tiahnybok by 14% and 75%; O. Liashko by 11% and 82%; Y. Boiko by 6% and 68%, while 15% do not know him.
• Residents of Ternopil are rather dissatisfied with the activities of the central authorities. Thus, 49% are dissatisfied with the activities of President V. Zelenskyi, 39% are satisfied, and 13% could not assess. 61% are dissatisfied with the activities of Prime Minister O. Honcharuk, 19% are satisfied, and 21% could not assess. 70% are dissatisfied with the activities of the Verkhovna Rada, while only 15% are satisfied and 15% could not assess.
• At the same time, residents of Ternopil are more satisfied with the local authorities. Thus, 68% are satisfied with the activities of Mayor S. Nadal, while 23% are dissatisfied. 52% are satisfied with the activities of the city council, 29% are dissatisfied, and 19% could not assess.
• 55% are satisfied with the operation of public transport in Ternopil, while 33% are dissatisfied and 12% could not assess. 45% are satisfied with educational institutions, 27% are dissatisfied, and 28% could not assess. Residents are rather dissatisfied with other areas of city life: 55% are dissatisfied with municipal services and 35% are satisfied; 56% are dissatisfied with medical institutions and 29% are satisfied.
• A high level of electoral mobilization is observed among residents of Ternopil. About 80% of respondents stated their definite readiness to participate in both parliamentary and local elections.
• The ranking of political parties in parliamentary elections is led by the Servant of the People party, with 29.9% among those who have decided and intend to vote. 19.0% are ready to vote for the European Solidarity party. The Strength and Honor party is supported by 7.9%, Svoboda by 7.3%, Holos by 6.7%, and Batkivshchyna by 6.1%. The ratings of other political forces are below 3%. Nearly one third are undecided.
• In the ranking of political parties in local elections, the Servant of the People party is also the leader, supported by 27.4% of those who have decided and intend to vote. 17.4% support the Svoboda party, 13.3% the European Solidarity party, 7.7% Strength and Honor, 7.1% Holos, 4.7% Batkivshchyna, 3.6% Civic Position, and 3.2% Samopomich. The ratings of other parties are below 3%. About one third are undecided.
• Among mayoral candidates, the leader in the ranking is S. Nadal, who would be supported by 60.8% of those who have decided and intend to participate in the elections. 6.1% could support S. Barna or V. Hevko, 4.3% P. Landiak, and 3.4% M. Ratushniak. The ratings of other candidates are below 3%. About 20% are undecided.
• Modeling of the second round of mayoral elections showed that if S. Nadal were to face any of the other potential candidates, the incumbent mayor would win. In a pair with V. Hevko the result would be 59% versus 16%; with S. Barna 60% versus 12%; with M. Cherkashyn 60% versus 11%. At the same time, it should be taken into account that from a quarter to one third of respondents have not yet decided on their choice or do not want to participate in voting in these second-round combinations.
• 75% of respondents believe that during the current term of S. Nadal as mayor the situation in Ternopil has improved. 16% believe it has not changed, and only 3% state that it has worsened.
• 53% are convinced that as a result of local elections the situation in Ternopil will improve, 23% believe it will not change, and 23% could not answer. Only 1% expect deterioration.
• The military conflict in eastern Ukraine tops the ranking of nationwide problems among residents of Ternopil at 68%. One third are concerned about bribery and corruption in government, the lack of jobs, or low wages and pensions. At the level of personal problems, residents are most concerned about low wages and pensions at 43%, the war in the East at 36%, and rising utility tariffs at 32%. A quarter are worried about bribery and corruption, 20% about rising prices for basic goods, 18% about unemployment, and 15% about the inability to obtain quality medical care.
• Among city problems, respondents most often selected the cost of utility services at 42%. In addition, a significant share consider poor road conditions at 30%, chaotic construction of high-rise buildings at 22%, corruption in city authorities at 21%, traffic congestion at 19%, drug addiction and alcoholism at 16%, lack of parking spaces at 15%, the cost of public transport fares at 14%, the presence of stray animals on the streets at 13%, low professional qualifications of medical staff at 13%, the quality of public transport services at 11%, and poor condition of sidewalks and pedestrian paths at 11% to be problems.
• According to residents of Ternopil, the main priorities for the work of city authorities should be medical institutions at 41%, the quality of housing and utility services at 37%, road quality at 30%, job creation at 26%, combating corruption at 23%, the quality of public transport at 21%, attracting investment to the city at 18%, and educational institutions at 18%. 15% believe that city authorities should first address waste collection and disposal, while 10–11% point to social protection of the poor, city safety, or sidewalks and adjacent territories.
• Residents consider sidewalks and adjacent territories to be the main achievements of the current mayor S. Nadal at 58%. Other achievements include road quality at 31%, renovation of parks and squares at 24%, street lighting at 17%, the quality of public transport at 16%, and the availability of sports facilities at 16%.
• 91% of respondents consider the city comfortable for tourism, 82% for living, and 75% for recreation. 44% consider Ternopil comfortable for work, while almost the same share hold the opposite view. An absolute majority of residents at 94% are proud to live in Ternopil.
• 46% of respondents stated that among their close relatives there are those who are currently working abroad. One quarter stated that they themselves had worked abroad during the past five years. 14% plan to go abroad for work this year. The highest share of those who have relatives working abroad, who have worked abroad themselves, or who express a desire to do so is among the youngest age group.
• The main motive for labor migration, according to respondents, is the desire of migrant workers for a better life for themselves and their relatives at 58%. 12% state that labor migrants seek to realize their potential, while 27% believe that this group does not see a future in Ukraine.
• About 40% of respondents stated that they live with children of different ages.
• 41% stated that they have lived in Ternopil since birth, 43% have lived in the city for more than 10 years, 8% for 5 to 10 years, and 6% for less than 5 years.
• 87% of residents of Ternopil stated that they live in their own housing, while 13% live in rented accommodation. The latter are most common among the youngest age group and those who have lived in Ternopil for less than 10 years.

• The results of a survey conducted by the Sociological Group “Rating” during January 22–26, 2020, demonstrated the predominance of expectations for change (50%) and hope (42%) among the population. At the same time, one third of respondents feel disappointment, one in five feel insecurity, tension, or indignation, and one in eight experience despair and confusion. Over the past two years, expectations for change and hope have increased in society, while disappointment, tension, and indignation have decreased. Positive emotions prevail among younger and more affluent respondents, while negative emotions are more common among older and poorer groups.
• The leader in terms of trust is President Volodymyr Zelenskyi: 59% trust him, while 32% do not. Trust in other key political figures has a negative balance: 26% trust Dmytro Razumkov and 44% do not; Yurii Boiko – 25% trust and 56% do not; Sviatoslav Vakarchuk – 22% trust and 62% do not; Oleksii Honcharuk – 20% trust and 53% do not; Yuliia Tymoshenko – 20% trust and 73% do not; Petro Poroshenko – 15% trust and 78% do not.
• The political party ratings are led by “Servant of the People,” supported by 42.2% of those who have decided and intend to vote. The “Opposition Platform – For Life” is supported by 13.5%, “European Solidarity” by 9.5%, and “Batkivshchyna” by 8.1%. Support for other parties is below 4%. About 16% of respondents remain undecided.
• Ending military hostilities in eastern Ukraine remains the key public demand addressed to the President (64%). Strengthening the fight against corruption is expected by 45%, revival of industry by 30%, raising social standards by 24%, and improving the quality of healthcare by 22%. In recent months, the importance of demands related to ending the war and reviving industry has increased.
• When choosing economic development priorities for allocating state resources, respondents tend to support the development of industry and investment (65%), while 28% favor increasing subsidies and social benefits.
• When choosing between raising salaries for medical workers and developing schools, hospitals, and introducing new technologies, 59% support the latter priority, while 29% favor increasing wages.
• Forty-five percent believe that the authorities should prioritize spending resources on supporting socially vulnerable groups, while almost the same share (46%) believe resources should be directed toward creating conditions that stimulate public activity.
• Forty-six percent believe the state should focus on identifying and punishing corrupt officials, while the same share argue that priority should be given to reducing opportunities for corruption.
• The main indicators of positive economic change, according to respondents, are the opening of new enterprises (54%) and the creation of new jobs (54%). One third believe improvement would be indicated by a reduction in labor migration abroad, one quarter by an increase in the minimum wage, and one in five by lower prices for basic goods.
• In the social sphere, key indicators of positive change include improved quality of healthcare (50%), increased pensions (41%), and greater support for socially vulnerable groups (36%). One quarter consider the construction of new schools, kindergartens, and hospitals an indicator of improvement, while one in five point to improved quality of education and increased life expectancy.
• Pensioners are considered the most vulnerable group requiring priority attention from the state (57%). Forty-two percent believe that people with disabilities or orphans should be prioritized, while 36% say low-income families should receive primary assistance. Around 22–24% mention large families and participants in military operations (ATO).
• Seventy-six percent of respondents watched President Zelenskyi’s New Year address. Among them, two thirds assessed it positively, 22% neutrally, and 13% negatively.

• According to the results of a survey conducted by the Sociological Group “Rating” during December 18–23, 2019, among the main utility services respondents are most satisfied with the quality of electricity supply services (76%), while 22% are dissatisfied. More than half of respondents are satisfied with gas supply, waste collection, and cold water supply services, while about one quarter are dissatisfied. One third of respondents are satisfied with the cleaning of adjacent territories, one quarter are dissatisfied, and more than one third do not use these services. Thirty percent are satisfied with heating supply, 22% are dissatisfied, and 45% do not use it. Only 17% are satisfied with hot water supply, the same share are dissatisfied, and 63% do not use it.
• Regarding the assessment of the cost of utility services, the situation is as follows: among service users, the most critical relative to income are the costs of heating supply, gas supply, and hot water supply. At least two thirds of those who use these services consider their cost to be high. As for electricity supply, half of respondents consider the price high, while about 40% assess the electricity price for households as average. A similar situation applies to cold water supply. The assessment of the cost of cleaning adjacent territories and waste collection is less critical: about 40% consider the price average, and one third consider it high. Cost assessments correlate with income level and age of respondents: the worse the material situation and the older the respondents, the more negatively service costs affect the household budget. At the same time, those who are more satisfied with service quality assess their cost more loyally.
• Only 12% of respondents consider Ukraine to be a fully energy-independent country. Half of respondents believe that Ukraine is partially dependent on other states in this matter, while 23% consider it fully dependent. This latter opinion is most common among the least affluent respondents and those who support joining the Customs Union with Russia. Over the past one and a half years, the share of those who state that Ukraine is fully energy independent has decreased (in July 2018 this share was 20%).
• One quarter of respondents believe that over the past year Ukraine has become more dependent on energy resources from other states, while 17% hold the opposite view. Forty percent believe that nothing has changed. In July 2018, one quarter believed that Ukraine was becoming more autonomous in energy. Regarding energy dependence on Russia, respondents’ opinions are distributed as follows: one quarter state that Ukraine has become more independent from the Russian Federation in the energy sector over the year, 34% believe that nothing has changed, while 24% speak about an increase in dependence. Compared to 2018, the share of those who believe that Ukraine is moving toward energy independence from Russia has decreased (in July 2018 it was 45%).
• Forty percent of respondents believe that Ukraine produces electricity independently, while almost the same share believe that the country produces part of its electricity independently and purchases part abroad. The situation with gas and petroleum products differs significantly: only 3–4% believe that Ukraine produces or extracts them independently. Regarding gas, 57% are convinced that Ukraine produces part of this energy resource independently and purchases part. As for petroleum products, 41% believe that Ukraine imports them, while 36% are convinced that Ukraine has its own production of petroleum products but purchases part abroad.
• Two thirds of respondents hold a positive-neutral position regarding Ukraine’s import of gas and petroleum products from European countries and Belarus. At the same time, every fourth to fifth respondent expresses objections on this issue. Attitudes toward gas imports from Russia are more critical: about 40% view this negatively, while about one quarter view it positively or neutrally. Negative attitudes toward imports from European countries prevail among residents of the East, older respondents, and lower-income groups. Regarding imports from Russia, negative attitudes prevail in the West of the country.
• The issue of electricity imports from other countries is perceived more critically by respondents. Despite the fact that a positive-neutral position toward imports from Europe and Belarus prevails overall (26–29% positive, 27–30% neutral), the share of critics is higher compared to the issue of gas or petroleum product imports (35–37%). Regarding electricity imports from Russia, 55% view this negatively. Only 18% assess it positively and 21% neutrally. More critical attitudes toward electricity imports from Europe are observed among residents of the South and East, and toward imports from Russia among residents of the Center and West.
• Almost two thirds of respondents do not support the decision to resume electricity imports from Russia, while 29% support it. This decision faced the strongest criticism among respondents from the West and Center. Among residents of the South and East, the decision was also perceived ambiguously.
• Sixty-five percent believe that the decision to resume electricity imports from Russia primarily benefits oligarchs. Only 11% believe it will benefit the population of Ukraine, and 8% believe it will benefit industrial enterprises.
• The assessment of energy imports from Russia from the perspective of national security divides respondents to some extent: about 40% consider it a threat, while nearly the same share do not. Regarding the purchase of energy resources from European countries, this idea is not perceived as a threat by the majority of the population (64%). Residents of the South and East of the country are more loyal to the issue of importing energy resources from the Russian Federation.
• From half to two thirds of respondents know nothing about the activities of key officials in the energy sector. Thus, 58% know nothing about the work of the Minister of Energy and Environmental Protection Oleksii Orzhel. Twenty percent assess his work negatively, 14% neutrally, and 3% positively. Fifty percent do not know about the Head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Energy and Housing and Communal Services Andrii Herus. Twenty-seven percent assess his work negatively, 14% neutrally, and 3% positively. Fifty-nine percent do not know about the Head of the National Commission for State Regulation of Energy and Public Utilities (NEURC) Valerii Tarasiuk. Twenty percent assess his activity negatively, 13% neutrally, and only 2% positively. Negative attitudes toward these officials prevail among representatives of the older age group.

• According to the results of a study conducted by the Rating Group, 25% of Ukrainian respondents support the idea of moving the celebration of Christmas from January 7 to December 25. Sixty-four percent of respondents oppose this idea. Another 7% stated that they are indifferent to this issue, and 4% were unable to answer.
• In dynamics, the share of those who support rescheduling the date of Christmas has increased. In 2016, only 15% supported this idea, while 69% were opposed.
• The highest level of support for moving Christmas is observed in the western region, where 43% support the idea and almost the same share do not support it. In other macro-regions, respondents are more likely to oppose the change: in the central region, 23% are in favor and 66% are against; in the southern region, 15% and 74%, respectively; in the eastern region, 14% and 74%. Slightly higher support for this initiative is observed among more affluent respondents and among those of middle and older age.

• According to the results of a survey conducted by the Rating Group during December 13–17, 2019, the majority of respondents (47%) consider Volodymyr Zelenskyi to be the politician of 2019 in Ukraine.
• Yurii Boiko, Dmytro Razumkov, and Yuliia Tymoshenko were named by 8–10% of respondents each, while Petro Poroshenko, Viktor Medvedchuk, Sviatoslav Vakarchuk, and Volodymyr Groysman were mentioned by 5–7%.
• Volodymyr Zelenskyi as politician of the year received support across all age and regional groups. At the same time, Yurii Boiko, Viktor Medvedchuk, and Vadym Rabinovych were more often chosen by residents of the South and East, Yuliia Tymoshenko by residents of the Center and West, and Petro Poroshenko by residents of the West. Notably, among supporters of the European Solidarity, Batkivshchyna, and Opposition Platform – For Life parties, the leaders of these political forces were more often chosen as politicians of the year than Volodymyr Zelenskyi. At the same time, among supporters of the Holos party, the Head of State received a higher result than Sviatoslav Vakarchuk.
• Ukrainians consider the release of Ukrainian captured sailors and other political prisoners to be the event of the year (48%), as well as the Presidential elections in Ukraine (44%).
• One in five respondents considers the resumption of negotiations on the situation in Donbas in the Normandy format (Ukraine, Russia, Germany, France) to be the event of the year. Fifteen percent named the elections to the Verkhovna Rada, 13% the qualification of the Ukrainian national football team for the final stage of the UEFA European Championship 2020, and one in ten the strengthening of the hryvnia exchange rate.

• According to the results of a survey conducted by the Rating Group on December 2–8, 2019, among residents of Irpin and the surrounding area (Priirpinia), 43% of respondents believe that affairs in the city are moving in the right direction, 28% think they are moving in the wrong direction, and 30% were undecided.
• Assessments of the situation in Ukraine as a whole are less optimistic. Only 31% of respondents believe that the country is moving in the right direction, while 36% think it is moving in the wrong direction, and 32% were unable to provide an answer. Nevertheless, since March 2019, assessments of the situation both in Irpin and nationwide have shown a positive dynamic.
• Among perceived opportunities, residents rated the possibility of living close to nature with good environmental conditions, as well as opportunities for rest and leisure, the highest. Respondents see fewer opportunities in terms of achieving personal success, entrepreneurship, and especially finding employment.
• The most pressing local problems identified by respondents are the shortage of kindergartens (37%), insufficient capacity in schools (34%), and deforestation for construction purposes (30%). About a quarter of respondents consider drug addiction and alcoholism, as well as the cost of utility services, to be significant local problems. Other concerns—mentioned by 10–16% of respondents—include urban overdevelopment, corruption in local authorities, traffic congestion, lack of jobs, waste collection, and the quality of medical services. Around 9% pointed to poor road conditions, public transport fares, transport links with Kyiv, rising crime, and water supply issues.
• Among national political figures, Volodymyr Zelensky enjoys the highest level of trust (48% trust, 34% distrust). Other politicians are generally trusted less than they are distrusted. Sviatoslav Vakarchuk is trusted by 20% and distrusted by 58%; Petro Poroshenko by 13% and 70%, Yuriy Boyko by 12% and 56%, and Yulia Tymoshenko by 11% and 71%, respectively.
• 70% of respondents stated their firm intention to participate in parliamentary elections if they were held in the near future. Among political parties, the “Servant of the People” party leads electoral preferences, supported by 45.4% of decided voters. It is followed by European Solidarity (14.8%), Batkivshchyna (8.4%), Opposition Platform – For Life (5.3%), Voice (4.8%), and Strength and Honor (3.9%). Support for other parties does not exceed 3%, while approximately one quarter of respondents remain undecided.
• Two-thirds of respondents also expressed readiness to participate in upcoming local elections for the mayor and city council of Irpin. Among parties potentially participating in local elections, Servant of the People again leads with 38.5% support among decided voters, followed by European Solidarity (13.6%), New Faces (9.9%), Batkivshchyna (6.4%), Opposition Platform – For Life (5.9%), Voice (4.6%), and Strength and Honor (3.1%). About a quarter of respondents have not yet decided.
• 58% of respondents consider corruption in the city government to be a serious problem, while 17% believe it is insignificant, and 25% were unable to assess it. Compared to March 2019, the share of those who downplay the seriousness of corruption has decreased.
• When assessing the resignation of Irpin mayor Volodymyr Karpliuk, 37% of respondents believe it was an attempt to avoid responsibility for corruption-related abuses. In contrast, 25% view it as a response to political pressure from law enforcement agencies on him and his team. About one third were unable to provide an opinion. Over the past year, the proportion of respondents who believe Karpliuk resigned to avoid accountability for corruption has nearly doubled.
  

• 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.