In the first online survey, organized on the own sociological panel of the Association of Professional Political Advisers (APPC), 1015 people participated. The survey was conducted from 8 to 18 February 2025 among citizens of Ukraine over 18 years. The questionnaire included 20 questions, including a socio-demographic block.
This survey method was chosen because of the high number of failures in classic surveys (75-90%).
Survey results — DOWNLOAD PDF file
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Socio-demographic profile of respondents
Sample survey included a diverse group of respondents by age, sex, level of education and region of residence. The age distribution showed a relatively balanced representation of different age groups, with the majority of respondents aged 35-54. The gender ratio was 44.3% women and 55.7% men.
In terms of education, the majority of respondents had a higher education (bachelor or master), while a smaller percentage indicated secondary or vocational education.
Geographically, responses were received from all regions of Ukraine, including internally displaced persons in the country and abroad.
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Influence of historical and political events
The study examined which historical events had the greatest impact on the lives of respondents. The most significant ones were:
- Full scale military aggression of Russia (2022)- 85.4%
- Euromaidan and Yanukovych’s removal (2014) — 36.7%
- Dissolution of the USSR and declaration of independence of Ukraine (1991) — 31.9%
- COVID-19 pandemic (2019) — 22.2%
These data show that geopolitical and security issues have a significant impact on public opinion and the personal experience of citizens.
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Economic impact of war
One of the key issues of the study was the impact of the war on the financial situation of the population. Respondents’ answers showed:
- 47% reported a significant deterioration in their financial condition
- 36.3% reported a moderate decline in income
- 10.3% did not experience changes
- Only 2.1% reported improvement in their economic situation
These results underscore the magnitude of economic difficulties faced by Ukrainians in war conditions.
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Priority sectors for economic recovery
Respondents indicated which economic areas need priority investments for the country’s recovery.
Most often they chose:
- Industry and manufacturing — 65%
- Defense industry — 55.9%
- Energy sector — 42.6%
- Health — 37.6%
- Education and science — 37.1%
These priorities point to the need for investment in both security and economic infrastructure for a sustainable recovery from war.
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Change of life plans due to war
The war forced many Ukrainians to reconsider their plans for the future. The study showed:
- 31.4% put aside large purchases (home, car etc.)
- 30.2% lost their job or changed their field of activity
- 18.6% had to move to another city or country
- 13.9% said the war did not affect their life plans
This data highlights the extent of disruption in people’s lives, affecting employment, financial stability and long-term prospects.
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Attitude to the participation of foreign companies in the reconstruction of Ukraine
Most respondents support the participation of foreign companies in the country’s reconstruction:
- 49.4% fully support
- 33.3% more likely to support
- 6.8% more likely not to support
- 4.9% strongly disapprove
- 5.7% had difficulty answering
These results show that the Ukrainians are generally positive about international cooperation in the reconstruction process.
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Public confidence and media perception
Respondents answered which sources of information they trust the most in war conditions. Leaders were:
- Personal analysis of information from different sources — 68.8%
- Telegram channels — 25.5%
- International media (BBC, The Guardian, The Washington Post, etc.) — 24.9%
- Official sources of the Ukrainian authorities — 24.5%
- Independent Ukrainian media (NC, Liga.net, NV and others) — 24.3%
At the same time, skepticism towards Ukrainian media has been expressed about USAID funding:
- 25.3% see it as foreign interference
- 21.7% neutral
- 15% think it may affect objectivity
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Social networks: do they unite or divide society?
Opinions on the role of social networks were divided:
- 28.7% think they are balancing unification and division
- 23.2% are sure that social networks contribute to the division of society
- 15.4% believe that they are more likely to combine
- 12% are sure that social networks significantly divide societyThese data show that social networks remain an important source of information, but are worrying because of disinformation and polarization of society.
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Combating propaganda and disinformation
Respondents named the most effective measures to combat disinformation:
- 51.1% support the creation of quality content that refutes fairy tales
- 44.5% support blocking hostile information resources
- 41.4% consider it necessary to introduce legal liability for the distribution of fakes
- 36.5% emphasize the importance of media literacy education campaigns
- 36.3% would prefer not to use unverified sources of information
- 23.6% support the strengthening of state control over information space
These data point to high public demand for media regulation and educational initiatives to combat disinformation.
Conclusion
The study «Socio-Political Sentiment in Ukraine, February 2025» provides a deep understanding of the views and experiences of Ukrainians in conditions of war, economic instability and political changes.
The results of the study emphasize:
- Growing economic difficulties
- Evolution of international cooperation
- Reduced trust in traditional media
- The continuing impact of geopolitical events on everyday life
The findings of this study will be a valuable tool for politicians, analysts and public organizations working on the reconstruction, stability and long-term development of Ukraine.
