Press releases

The Rating Group and the International Organization for Migration (IOM Ukraine) published the results of a joint study on social services for veterans in Ukraine. The study was conducted with the support of the European Union and in cooperation with the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine.

The aim of the study is to identify factors that promote or hinder the social integration of war veterans, as well as to assess their interaction with the social services system, in particular through the Administrative Services Centres, as indicators of the implementation of the Veterans Policy Strategy in Ukraine.

The survey covered war veterans from various demographic groups, including persons with disabilities, as well as employees of the Administrative Service Centres from all regions of Ukraine controlled by the Government. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted with war veterans, support specialists, representatives of civil society organisations and opinion leaders whose activities are directly related to the formation of veteran policy. The data obtained allows for an analysis of the extent to which the current infrastructure, service delivery mechanisms and state guarantees are in line with the objectives of the Veterans Policy Strategy.

Key findings

The main difficulties in returning war veterans to civilian life are associated with a misunderstanding of society, difficulties with the registration of social benefits, employment and access to medical and psychological support.

• The state of implementation of public policy in the field of veteran benefits and services is generally rated low due to bureaucracy, insufficient funding and poor coordination between authorities.
• Medical services, particularly primary care, receive positive ratings, while psychological support and social services, including family assistance and veteran business development, remain weak.
• War veterans actively use the services of ASCs, noting the professionalism of the staff, but bureaucratic procedures and the complexity of documents complicate access to benefits.
• Housing programs and legal support are limited in resources and complexity of procedures, which requires their simplification and unification.
• Despite this, there are positive dynamics in the availability of medical services, the development of veteran hubs, rehabilitation programs and grant initiatives.
• The main requests of war veterans relate to medical care, psychological support, housing support, legal assistance, and employment and training opportunities.
• It is recommended to simplify the system of benefits, automate processes, increase the competence and empathy of employees, as well as shift the focus from payments to the development of initiatives and self-realization of war veterans.
• In the long term, it is expected to improve the availability and quality of services, the expansion of housing and social programs, and the integration of all services for war veterans in one environment.
• An important factor in the effectiveness of the implementation of the veteran policy is the active participation of war veterans themselves in communities and public initiatives, which contributes to their social integration and capacity development

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Authors of the report: Lyubomir Mysiv, Natalia Khalimonenko, Roman Borysov, Anna Konstantinova

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Rating Group is one of the largest research institutions in Ukraine, which has been on the market since 2008. The company is registered in Ukraine and has significant experience in conducting sociological surveys in Ukraine and abroad. The group includes: Sociological Group Rating, Research Lab Rating Lab, Rating Online platform and Rating Call Center.

The Rating Group sociological group surveyed 240 defenders of Ukraine as part of a study entitled ‘Problems of War Veterans in Ukraine.’ The survey was conducted on the initiative of the Ukrainian Veterans Fund of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine and is part of the ‘Portrait of a Veteran 2025’ project.

The research team learned about the main challenges veterans face when returning to civilian life, their needs, and their perceptions of the effectiveness of support programmes.

Challenges in civilian life

One-third of Ukrainian veterans feel that society does not respect them today

• At the same time, 60% of the veterans surveyed responded that society does respect veterans. Also, the majority of respondents (58%) believe that society is not informed about the needs and problems of veterans in civilian life.
• Psycho-emotional instability (84%), alcohol or drug abuse (79%), lack of understanding from society (76%), physical health problems and difficulties in obtaining medical care (75%), unemployment (73%), lack of inclusive spaces and adapted workplaces for people with disabilities (72%), and conflicts in the family (71%) are negative phenomena that, according to veterans, are likely to arise in their lives after returning from war.
• Sixty per cent mentioned the incompatibility of military experience with civilian life, 58 per cent mentioned problems with obtaining social benefits, 51 per cent mentioned the risk of breaking the law and participating in crime, and 48 per cent mentioned suicide.

Meeting the needs of veterans

We asked veterans to rate how well their various needs were being met on a 5-point scale (1 – not met at all, 5 – completely met). Respondents could also indicate that they did not have such needs at all.

• The best-rated need was discounted travel (4.3 points on average).
• Average ratings were given to medical care (3.3), physical rehabilitation and/or prosthetics (3.3), employment (3.2), psychological support (3.1), educational needs/retraining (3.1 points), information and counselling support (3.1), business development (3.0) and financial support for families (3.0).
• The respondents rated legal support (2.7) and housing provision (2.6) the lowest.

What kind of support do veterans need?

Financial (50%) and medical (43%) support are the main requests of veterans.

• About a quarter of respondents indicated psychological support (28%) and housing assistance (26%), while one in five (22%) indicated legal support.
• Only one in ten said they did not need any support today.

Use of benefits and support programmes

• Most often, veterans use subsidies for utility payments (69%), free travel (52%), medical care (41%), and pensions (33%).
• Financial assistance was mentioned by 21%, psychological rehabilitation by 14%, education benefits by 12%, and educational services and benefits by 10%.
• Only 8% of respondents said they did not use any of the benefits or programmes mentioned.

Effectiveness of veteran support programmes

• Opinions on the overall effectiveness of state veteran programmes were divided: 51% believe that they are effective, while 40% of respondents question their effectiveness.
• State rehabilitation and prosthetics programmes for persons with disabilities are considered effective by 59% of respondents, 27% of respondents have the opposite opinion, and 15% were unable to assess them.
• Assessments of the accessibility (inclusiveness) of public spaces for persons with disabilities were also divided: 47% believe that they are completely or somewhat accessible, 47% of respondents question their accessibility, and another 7% were unable to assess them.
• On the other hand, the effectiveness of programmes run by non-governmental organisations (civil society organisations, charitable foundations, volunteer associations) to support veterans is rated much higher by respondents. 75% of respondents consider them to be completely or somewhat effective, while 17% hold the opposite opinion.

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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 Centre.

How tolerant are Ukrainians toward people with disabilities? Rating Group and Project HOPE Ukraine explored this question within the framework of the Rehab4 project. To do so, Rating Group conducted a survey among the adult population in six regions of Ukraine: Dnipropetrovsk, Zhytomyr, Ivano-Frankivsk, Odesa, Rivne, and Cherkasy oblasts.

Level of bias

The stigmatization index stands at 30 points, indicating a moderate level of bias toward people with disabilities across the six surveyed regions of Ukraine

This moderate level is driven primarily by compassion–pity and by perceptions of people with disabilities as a burden. As a result, there is a risk of paternalistic attitudes in which people with disabilities are viewed as objects of assistance rather than full and autonomous individuals.

Visibility of people with disabilities

• 70% of respondents see people with disabilities often or daily.
• Among those who do, this most frequently occurs on the streets (82%), in shops (59%), and in public transport (48%).

Declarative tolerance VS hidden biases

• Around 90% of respondents say they are willing to accept people with disabilities as neighbours, friends, or acquaintances; 86% — as colleagues; and 75% — as partners.
• At the same time, many believe that society overall holds a neutral attitude toward people with disabilities. This discrepancy may indicate the presence of latent biases masked by socially desirable responses.
• The emotional perception of veterans with disabilities differs from that of civilians with disabilities: toward the former, respondents most often feel gratitude (64%), compassion (47%), and pride (37%); toward the latter — primarily compassion (73%), as well as pity (36%), and feelings of sadness or sorrow.

Structural barriers and responsibility

• We asked respondents to evaluate various opportunities in Ukraine in general, and specifically for people with disabilities, on a scale from 1 (no opportunities) to 5 (all opportunities), and calculated the average scores. This makes it possible to compare conditions for different groups of citizens: the largest gaps appear in opportunities to engage in sports (4.0 in Ukraine overall vs. 3.4 for people with disabilities), spend leisure time (3.8 in Ukraine vs. 3.5 for people with disabilities), and find a job (3.1 vs. 2.5).
• We also asked respondents to assess the state of certain initiatives/infrastructure areas in their locality on a scale from 1 (terrible) to 5 (excellent), and again calculated average scores. The most critical situations concern transport accessibility for wheelchair users and the accessibility of government websites for blind people — both received ratings of just 2 out of 5.
• Respondents primarily believe that the responsibility for addressing issues affecting people with disabilities lies with local authorities (83%). Responsibility is also frequently attributed to central authorities (39%).

How do punishments and harsh parenting methods affect a child's stress and emotional connection with their parents? How acceptable do parents find such methods? Is violence inherited through generations? These topics are covered in the sixth article from the study "Changes in Children's Mental Health and Well-being" by Rating Group/Rating Lab.

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. Preliminary results of the series of studies can be found at the link.

The acceptability of harsh parenting practices

We asked parents of children aged 10-18: if a child behaves inappropriately, to what extent are certain parenting actions acceptable?

• Parents are most opposed to physical punishment (89% consider it unacceptable), ignoring (87%), and using unpleasant words in conversation (79%). There is almost complete consensus on this.
• Almost a third of parents (30%) approve of the possibility of threatening severe punishment, 55% are against it, and 16% are undecided.
• More than a third (36%) of parents consider it acceptable to take away phones and gadgets, 50% consider it unacceptable, and another 15% are undecided.
• Parents' opinions on raising their voice or shouting are more evenly divided: 35% are in favour, 42% are against, and 23% are undecided.

Are harsh disciplinary measures and violence inherited?

We asked the parents of teenagers: how were they themselves raised by their parents during their childhood? We wanted to understand whether childhood experiences influence parents' understanding of what is ‘acceptable’ in raising their own children.

The more often certain parenting practices and punishments were used on parents during their childhood, the more acceptable they consider them to be

• This is especially true for yelling and threats. Among parents who were often yelled at as children, almost half (48%) consider this an acceptable method. Meanwhile, among those who were rarely or never yelled at as children, 14% consider this method acceptable.
• Also, among those who were often threatened with severe punishment, 46% consider this acceptable.

We also asked children (aged 10-18) to describe how their parents react to their inappropriate behaviour.

• The least common practices are light physical punishment and ignoring. Five per cent and seven per cent of children, respectively, mentioned that their parents use these methods relatively often.
• One in six children relatively often encounter unpleasant words in conversation, threats of severe punishment and confiscation of gadgets.
• Raising one's voice is the most common practice on the list. About a third of children (34%) encounter it relatively often.

At the same time, there is a worrying tendency: harsh parenting practices, punishment and violence in the family are passed down through generations

As mentioned earlier, the more often parents experienced certain parenting practices in their childhood, the more acceptable they find such methods. There is a direct link between perception and actions in practice: the more acceptable the practice (from the parents' point of view), the more likely they are to apply it to their child. In other words, parents who were yelled at as children are more likely to yell at their own children. This is confirmed by the children's own responses.

51% of parents who consider shouting to be acceptable raise their voices at their children. More than a third (37%) of parents who are ‘undecided’ about the acceptability of shouting also do so. In addition, 42% of parents who consider the use of unpleasant words to be acceptable use them when talking to their own children.

How do such methods affect children?

Harsh disciplinary measures and punishment are detrimental to a child's psychological well-being

The more often harsh parenting methods are used on children, the greater their stress levels. For example, almost two-thirds of children who are physically punished (62%) or who are spoken to in an unpleasant manner (63%) have significant (conditionally ‘red’) stress levels. More than half of children who are often ignored (58%), threatened with severe punishment (57%) or frequently shouted at (55%) have the same level of stress. These children experience ‘red’ levels of stress two to three times more often than their peers who are never punished in such ways.

Harsh disciplinary measures and punishment destroy the emotional bond between the child and their parents

The more often parents use harsh parenting practices, the weaker the bond between parent and child. For example, just over half (55%) of children whose parents often shout at them feel a strong bond with their parents. In contrast, among their peers whose parents never shout at them, almost 80% feel a strong bond.

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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).

Rating Group спільно з Міністерством молоді та спорту України провела загальнонаціональне опитування серед населення віком від 14 років.

Метою дослідження було з'ясувати того, як українці сьогодні сприймають власну ідентичність, цінності, участь у громадському житті та готовність діяти на користь держави.

Ключові результати:

• Переважна більшість українців (99%) насамперед відчувають себе громадянами України, 87% - представниками свого етносу, 75% - членами місцевої громади.
• На думку українців для того, щоб вважатися українцем, найбільш важливим є відчуття себе ним (94%). Наступні за популярністю відповіді - це повага до українських законів та політичного устрою (89%), українське громадянство (86%) й відчуття відповідальності за ситуацію в країні (84%).
• 73% вважають, що національність людини визначає її самоусвідомлення, а не етнічне походження батьків.
• Вшанування пам’яті про війну стало частиною культурної звички: 72% українців регулярно приєднуються до загальнонаціональної хвилини мовчання, а ще 18% роблять це час від часу.
• Найчастіше відвідувані форми культурної пам’яті - кінопокази документальних та художніх фільмів про Україну, фестивалі, присвячені українській культурі, музеї, меморіальні комплекси.

Almost two-thirds of teenagers aged 10-18 have encountered at least one instance of bullying in the last six months. Children who have frequently encountered bullying have twice the level of stress, according to data from Rating Group/Rating Lab.

Bullying is not a ‘childish quarrel’ or a ‘normal part of growing up’ in adolescence. It is a form of violence that affects the psychological well-being not only of the victim of bullying, but also of the entire school, sports club, or any adolescent community. The consequences of bullying can be serious and long-lasting, affecting the mental health, social development and even physical safety of teenagers.

On 20 November, the anniversary of the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the world celebrates Children's Day. To mark this date, the Rating Group/Rating Lab team has prepared the fifth instalment of its study ‘Changes in the Mental Health and Well-being of Children’. Read on to find out more:

• How common are different forms of bullying among teenagers?
• How is bullying related to the relationship between children and parents?
• What influence do teachers have here?
• How can we help prevent bullying?

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. Preliminary results of the series of studies can be found at the link.

Note to colleagues and partners:

For over two years, the Rating Group/Rating Lab team has been studying how Ukrainian children, teenagers and families feel. Thanks to the unique Family 360° family research technology, we can see not only the challenges, but also ways to overcome them. We cannot cover this topic with our own resources, and the research needs to be expanded and continued dynamically. Therefore, we are open to cooperation with relevant organisations. For cooperation inquiries, please contact: info@ratinggroup.ua

Forms of bullying: how exactly are teenagers bullied?

Every teenager can face several types of bullying at the same time. Usually, bullying is not a single act, but a whole range of offensive and/or violent behaviour.

• Ignoring: most teenagers (61%) have experienced this in the last six months. This type of bullying should not be underestimated: systematic ignoring can cause what psychologists call ‘developmental trauma,’ which can later be a sign of certain mental disorders.
• Almost half of teenagers (49%) also experience ridicule and mockery.
• About a third (30%) face threats and intimidation.
• In addition, one in four teenagers is a victim of physical violence, i.e. when they are deliberately beaten, pushed, pinched, hurt (28%), and online bullying (27%), i.e. cyberbullying.

Parents underestimate the extent of bullying against their own children.

This is most true for threats, intimidation and cyberbullying: at least half of parents whose children have been bullied are unaware of it.

Who experiences bullying more?

• Boys experience bullying more often than girls.
• The exception is ignoring, which is equally common among girls and boys.
• Teenagers who have friends experience bullying less often. This is especially true for ignoring, ridicule and cyberbullying.

What does bullying do to a child?

Threats and intimidation cause the most stress.

Bullying creates additional challenges for parent-child relationships

Children who experience bullying are less likely to talk to their parents about their experiences. We cannot say whether children are closing themselves off from their parents or whether parents are unwilling to discuss the topic. This requires further research. However, the data showed that:

• 60% of children who have not experienced bullying often discuss their feelings with their parents. Among those who have been bullied, less than half (46%) do so.
• The topics of ignoring, threats and bullying on the internet are most often silenced.
• Children who have experienced bullying feel a much weaker emotional connection with their parents. First and foremost, this again concerns ignoring and threats.

We have previously demonstrated that the frequency of communication with parents affects stress levels. In other words, children who withdraw from communication do not receive the warm, sincere contact with their parents that helps combat stress.

Bullying breeds fear of bullying

Children are actually afraid of being bullied again.

• More than a third (36%) of teenagers who have already experienced bullying openly admit to being afraid of finding themselves in a situation of bullying.
• Among children who have not experienced bullying, this proportion is significantly lower – 22%.
• In general, girls worry about bullying more than boys: 40% of girls and 24% of boys are afraid of finding themselves in such circumstances.

How does bullying affect behaviour in such situations?

We asked teenagers to imagine the following situation: ‘During break time, a group of children are laughing at another child and teasing them. What would you do?’

• 40% would call an adult/teacher.
• 30% would tell the children to stop.
• About 10% would just watch and walk away or even laugh along with the others.
• It is important to note that one in six teenagers was unable to answer.

It is worth noting that teenagers who have experienced bullying are less likely to call an adult (teacher):

• Only 38% of them are willing to call a teacher, compared to almost half (47%) of teenagers who have not experienced bullying.
• Older teenagers aged 14-18 are generally less likely to call a teacher for help (28% vs. 33%).
• Among younger teenagers, the figures are 47% versus 66%.

At the same time, teenagers who have experienced bullying are twice as likely to avoid answering this question (16% compared to 8% among their peers who have not experienced bullying).

What is the role of teachers?

How teachers respond in schools is really important in the context of preventing bullying.

• In schools where teachers are often willing to intervene in situations of possible bullying, bullying occurs less frequently.
• In turn, teenagers in these schools are more willing to call on adults/teachers for help.

Conclusion: what helps prevent bullying?

Bullying is not inevitable. It occurs where there is a lack of attention, support, respect, and clear rules. However, it disappears where there are friends, loved ones, responsible adults nearby, and responsibility in general. So what will help children resist bullying?

• Trusting relationships and communication with loved ones.
• A culture of mutual respect.
• Rejection of bullying others, willingness to intervene and speak out. This applies to children as well as adults and teachers.

By creating such conditions for children, we are not just preventing bullying — we are forming communities where they can feel safe.

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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).

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%).

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 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.

"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%).

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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.

On April 1-23, 2025, the Rating Group conducted a study of media consumption of Ukrainians commissioned by the NGO "Lviv Media Forum" and International Media Support. The survey topics are information behavior, media consumption, trust in the media, the fight against disinformation and vulnerability to it.

Sources of information

• Telegram is the main means of obtaining information about current events for Ukrainians. Telegram channels are read constantly or often (4-5 days a week) by more than half of respondents (52%).
• In second place is YouTube (32% watch constantly or often), in third place is Facebook (28%).
• The "United News" telethon and Viber chats are watched constantly or often by 25%.
• Regular reading of printed media is a rare practice: 84% never use newspapers and magazines to obtain information.
• The majority of Ukrainians also never receive information from the radio (75%), regional media (69%), regional online media (67%), international online media (66%).

Trust in the media

• Ukrainians have little trust in the media in general. But Telegram channels (29%) and Youtube channels (24%) are relatively more trusted.
• International and Ukrainian online media are rather trusted or trusted by 16%.
• Ukrainians distrust the United telethon the most (39% do not trust or rather do not trust, 24% are hesitant, 19% find it difficult to answer).

How Ukrainians fight disinformation

• Almost 40% of respondents never check the reliability of information, 18% always do it.
• Young people (18-29 years old), respondents with higher education, as well as military personnel and veterans check the reliability more often.
• 35% believe that it is easy or rather easy for them to distinguish true information from false information in the media, 28% — that it is difficult or rather difficult for them to do so.
• The most common practices for checking reliability are using one's own intuition and experience (34%) and comparing with several authoritative sources (25%).

Vulnerability to disinformation

59% of Ukrainians are vulnerable to disinformation, as shown by the results of the information test (see methodology). How they differ:

• They are significantly less likely to support Ukraine's accession to the EU and NATO, as well as the actions of the current government.
• They are less likely to watch socio-political news and trust the media less.
• They rate their own ability to distinguish true information from false information as highly as invulnerable citizens.
• When checking information, they rely somewhat more on their own experience and intuition and less likely to compare information from different sources.
• Relatively more often these are Russian-speaking or bilingual respondents, residents of frontline territories, as well as representatives of less well-off and less educated categories.

A study by the Rating Group on August 21-23, 2025 shows that Ukrainians want peace and are mostly ready to talk about certain concessions, but only on condition of reliable security guarantees from partners.

Vision of the end of the war

• 59% of respondents support stopping the fighting on the battlefield and the searching for a compromise, 20% support fighting until the return of Donbas and Crimea, 13% - until the demarcation line/borders as of February 23, 2022 are restored.
• 82% consider negotiations to be a realistic way to end the war (62% are in favor of finding a compromise with the involvement of other countries, 20% - in direct negotiations with the russian federation).
• 75% believe that Ukraine should agree to a ceasefire only on condition of international security guarantees.
• Among the key security guarantees, Ukrainians name: funding for the army and weapons supplies from partners (52%), an obligation of allies to enter the war in the event of a second attack (48%), and international patrolling of air and sea space (44%).
• When asked “What is most important now?”, 58% chose receiving guarantees of funding for the Ukrainian army from Western partners in the future and the supply of weapons in sufficient quantities, while 31% chose the return of territories.
• Most often, respondents believe that we are fighting with russia for the future of our children (60%) and freedom (44%).

Trust in politicians

The level of trust in Valery Zaluzhny is 74%, Volodymyr Zelensky is trusted by 68%, and Kyrylo Budanov has 59% trust rate.

Electoral attitudes

• If presidential elections were to take place, Volodymyr Zelensky (35% of all respondents) and Valery Zaluzhny (25%) would receive the most support.
• In case of the parliamentary elections, the hypothetical Zaluzhny Party would lead (24%) and the hypothetical Zelenskyy Bloc would come in second place (20%). They would be followed by the European Solidarity (7%), and two hypothetical parties - the Budanov Party (6%) and the Azov Party (6%).

The goals of Ukrainians

Ukrainians want peace, but not at the expense of freedom.

• Right now, the most important things for us are basic values, values of survival: family safety (73%), living in peace (62%), freedom (56%) and national security (55%).
• It is also important for Ukrainians to live in comfort (25%), have inner harmony (22%) and self-respect (16%).
• Common goals unite Ukrainians at home and in Europe. However, Ukrainians who have been forced to leave the country place more emphasis on comfort and less on national security.

How do Ukrainians' goals differ?

• Older people often emphasise the importance of national security, while young people talk more about a comfortable life, love and happiness.
• Those who want to stay in Ukraine often talk about the importance of living in peace, national security and wisdom, while those who want to move abroad talk about a comfortable life and happiness.
• For Ukrainians who support Ukraine's accession to the EU, family security, national security and freedom are more important. For those who oppose accession, true friendship, salvation of the soul and wisdom are more important.
• Ukrainians who do not regret the collapse of the USSR more often mention national security and freedom. Those who regret it value wisdom, happiness and equality more.

What will help achieve the main goals?

Responsibility and independence are two strong traits that are key to all five main goals. But there are other important tools for achieving them.

• According to Ukrainians, freedom requires independence, responsibility, courage, honesty and intelligence.
• Family security can be achieved through responsibility and a willingness to help.
• If we want to live in peace, we need responsibility and independence.
• National security can be achieved through responsibility, independence, courage, and a willingness to help.
• At the same time, a comfortable life requires skills and intelligence.

How to achieve other goals?

• To achieve happiness, you need love, independence and cheerfulness. And for inner harmony – intelligence, honesty and love.
• Love that stands the test of time is achieved through love, honesty and responsibility. And friendship – through honesty and willingness to help.
• Salvation of the soul can be achieved through love and forgiveness.
• Self-respect, like equality, is built on honesty, independence, and responsibility.
• A bright, fulfilling life requires cheerfulness, independence, and broad-mindedness.
• A sense of achievement is attained through intellect and ability, and  social recognition through responsibility.

The International Republican Institute’s (IRI) Center for Insights in Survey Research (CISR) published the results of the national survey of Ukraine, which covered key socio-political topics. The data was collected by the Rating Group team on July 22-27, 2025.

Key findings

• The majority of Ukrainians support joining the European Union (75%) and NATO (70%).
• Ukrainians believe, the most aid in context of resistance to Russia was provided by the US (59%), Germany (48%), and the UK (38%).
• The Armed Forces of Ukraine have the highest approval level (94%) amongst the state institutions. Most Ukrainians also approve the activites of President Zelensky (65%), the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi (55%), and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha (52%).

“Ukrainians overwhelmingly desire a Western-oriented future. Ukrainians view themselves as a European people and firmly believe their future lies in Europe."
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“Ukrainians are incredibly thankful for the assistance provided by the United States and its allies and partners since the outset of the war.”

- Stephen Nix, Senior Director for Europe and Eurasia at IRI, as cited by IRI website