Optimism and danger: what Ukrainians think about life in Ukraine

An annual survey conducted by Gradus Research ahead of Independence Day showed how Ukrainians assess their lives during the war. Despite the danger and instability, most citizens feel that progress is being made and believe in the possibility of a better life. Learn more about how citizens see Ukraine.

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On Ukraine's Independence Day, the analytical company Gradus Research conducted an annual survey that showed how Ukrainians themselves perceive life in their country in the context of war. The results of the study reflect a complex but at the same time contradictory combination of feelings: danger and instability are closely intertwined with progress, activity, and faith in the future.

Ukrainian life: between danger and development

Most respondents describe modern life in Ukraine as dangerous and unstable. This is a consequence of the war and the daily challenges it brings. At the same time, more and more citizens see the country as progressive and moving forward.

For comparison: in 1996, Ukrainians' lives were much more often described as unstable, soulless, and sad. Even before the full-scale invasion, pessimistic assessments prevailed. Now, however, society retains a sense of development even in crisis conditions.

What unites Ukrainians?

Despite different views and living conditions, Ukrainians are united by:

- a common enemy;

- a sense of belonging to the Ukrainian nation;

- a shared vision of the country's future.

On the other hand, political positions, assessments of the government's actions, and differences in social status divide society the most.

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Attitudes toward the EU and NATO

The study showed that most citizens have a positive attitude towards both Ukraine's accession to the EU and NATO. While support for integration was less unanimous in 2021, these figures rose sharply after the start of the full-scale invasion and remain consistently high.

Analysts note that this indicates that Ukrainians are aware of the importance of international alliances for the country's security and development.

Optimism despite everything

Almost two-thirds of respondents believe in the possibility of a better life. Sociologist, founder, and director of Gradus Research Yevheniia Blyzniuk emphasizes that Ukrainians remain cautiously optimistic, and the main indicator of this is their belief in the future of children in Ukraine.

Language shift as a sign of unity

Language habits have become a separate important indicator. Over the past three years, the proportion of those who use Ukrainian in everyday life has grown from just over half to 68%.

Gradus Research notes that this is not only a linguistic transformation, but also a transformation of values:

“Ukrainian is increasingly becoming the everyday norm. The transition to the native language is a choice that symbolizes the unity of the nation in times of war.”

The study shows that despite all the difficulties of war, Ukrainians see their lives not only through the prism of danger and instability, but also as active and progressive. Society remains optimistic and feels a sense of progress, with national identity, shared values, and the desire for integration into the European and Euro-Atlantic community serving as unifying factors.

Reminder! We previously reported that at the end of December 2024, the research company Gradus Research conducted the eleventh wave of monitoring as part of the project “The Temperature of Society During War.” Find out what Ukrainians think about the duration of the war in our article.

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