Exhausted but not discouraged: who Ukrainians trust and whether they are ready to stay in the country

Ukrainians continue to live in wartime conditions, exhausted but united. People have not lost faith in the country's key institutions, and although stress has become part of everyday life, hope has not disappeared — it has simply changed. Find out how many Ukrainians continue to believe in victory and how they feel about other equally important issues

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Ukraine continues to live in conditions of full-scale war, which has been going on for four years now. Constant tension, fear, loss, and ruined plans have become part of everyday reality. But at the same time, according to a Gradus Research poll, an amazing trait is emerging in Ukrainian society: despite fatigue and stress, people have not lost faith — in their country, in their defenders, and in the future.

Society is on the brink, but not in despair

Emotional burnout has become almost the norm: according to the latest survey, 87% of Ukrainians admit that they are in a state of constant stress. Fatigue and tension are the most common emotions.

But against this backdrop, there are also other voices: 36% of respondents say they feel hope, and this figure has increased compared to last year. Fatigue is growing, but so is the conviction that the dark times will pass.

Who remains a source of support for Ukrainians: trust in institutions

In conditions of instability, Ukrainians continue to look for points of support. Fifty-eight per cent of respondents trust the Armed Forces of Ukraine, seeing them as guarantors of security and victory. In addition, people continue to express trust in the President (31%) and volunteer organisations (29%), which indicates a high level of support for both state and public structures.

What is the situation with the labour market?

Despite the ongoing war, 59% of Ukrainians are working and receiving a salary. This is almost the same level as last year. Unemployment is most pronounced among young people and people of pre-retirement age — 39% in both groups do not have a permanent job. At the same time, half of those surveyed reported a decrease in income. This is particularly acute among people aged 55–60: 68% of people in this group have lost a significant part of their income.

Willingness to stay: how many Ukrainians do not want to leave the country?

Among those surveyed, 55% said they would stay at home even if the situation worsened.

Only 11% are considering leaving the country, indicating a decline in emigration sentiment. Internal mobility remains high: 18% are willing to move to a safer region within the country. People are learning to adapt and change their place of residence, but at the same time they want to stay within their homeland.

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Belief in victory

Ukrainians have not lost hope that the conflict will end. 19% believe that the war will end by the end of 2025, and this share is growing. Another 13% expect it to end in 2026, while a third believe that the war will drag on for years.

However, half of citizens are confident that Ukraine will emerge stronger after victory. Estimates of the recovery period vary: 35% believe it will take more than five years, while 20% think it will take less time.

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Ukrainian language

One of the most striking markers of the transformation of Ukrainian identity is the transition to the official language. 72% of Ukrainians already speak Ukrainian at home, compared to 53% in April 2022.

This is not just a linguistic dynamic, but an act of cultural resistance and internal consolidation.

In terms of conclusions, according to Yevheniia Blyzniuk, founder of Gradus Research, society has adapted to life in crisis. Fatigue is no longer perceived as weakness — it has become the backdrop against which a new resilience is forming. And although Ukrainians are exhausted, they are not giving up. Their faith is not an illusion, but a necessary platform for survival and action.

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