Two-thirds of Ukrainians believe Ukraine will prosper in the EU in 10 years — results of a KIIS poll

Ukrainians are once again showing growing optimism about the future of their country. Find out how public sentiment has changed in 2022–2025 and why 64% of citizens believe Ukraine will prosper as part of the EU in 10 years

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Most Ukrainians are once again demonstrating an optimistic view of the country's future. As of the end of 2025, 64% of Ukrainian citizens believe that in 10 years, the country will be a prosperous member of the European Union. This is evidenced by the results of a sociological survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology.

These data are indicative not only in view of the war and protracted socio-economic tensions, but also taking into account previous waves of surveys, which recorded a noticeable decline in optimism in 2022–2025.

How the mood of Ukrainians has changed since 2022

Sociologists note that from October 2022 to May 2025, Ukrainian society saw a steady decline in optimistic expectations for the country's future. Against the backdrop of war, economic losses, and prolonged stress, public opinion gradually shifted toward pessimism.

This trend culminated in May 2025, when sociologists recorded a predominance of pessimistic sentiments for the first time:

● 47% of respondents believed that in 10 years Ukraine would be a country with a ruined economy and significant population outflow;

● 43% of respondents at that time believed in a scenario of Ukraine's prosperity as a member of the EU.

This was an important marker of public fatigue and uncertainty that had accumulated over several years of full-scale war.

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Return of optimism in the second half of 2025

However, subsequent waves of surveys recorded a clear reversal in public sentiment. By early October 2025, the share of optimists had grown to 56%, and by December 2025, it had reached 64%.

At the same time, the share of those who expected a negative scenario for the country's development decreased significantly:

● in May 2025, there were 47% of such people;

● in December 2025, there were only 21%.

Thus, in less than six months, pessimistic assessments lost more than half of their support.

How do these indicators compare with previous years?

According to KIIS estimates, the level of optimism at the end of 2025 even slightly exceeded the indicators at the end of 2024. At the same time, it still remains lower than in 2022–2023, when expectations for the future were more emotionally fueled by the initial phase of resistance and international support.

The survey was conducted from November 26 to December 29, 2025, using telephone interviews. The study covered all regions of Ukraine under government control.

We remind you! The mass exodus of Ukrainians abroad has become one of the key demographic challenges for the country in recent decades. Read how many Ukrainians are actually outside the country and why the real figures significantly exceed the consular records.

Photo: Getty Images

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