Russian strikes harden Ukrainian resolve, new survey shows
Photo: Director of the Rating sociological group Oleksii Antypovych (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Even in the event of new blackouts and massive attacks on infrastructure, Ukrainians are not ready to give up or make concessions to Russia. This is evidenced by the results of a fresh opinion poll in 2025, Oleksii Antypovych, Head of the Rating Sociological Group, says in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
According to him, even in the face of a severe aggravation of the situation - striking, civilian casualties, and destruction - the share of Ukrainians who believe that it is necessary to fulfill the Russian demands remains consistently low.
"This percentage has always been around 1%, and it still is," he said.
Antypovych emphasizes that the effect of unity of Ukrainians in times of threat does not disappear over time.
"Didn't we live in bomb shelters? We went through it all. Has this increased the percentage of answers in sociology that we should surrender and fulfill all of Russia's demands? No," he said.
Moreover, during new Russian attacks, Ukrainians demonstrate even greater determination.
"The greater the threat, the more it unites," the sociologist summarizes.
At the end of 2024, fewer people believe that Ukrainians are gradually overcoming contradictions and moving towards a cohesive political nation. But the situation is better than before the war.
The number of optimists fell from 69% in December 2023 to 53% in December 2024. Instead, the number of those who believe that contradictions are only deepening and Ukrainians are heading for a split has increased from 25% to 33%. Also, the number of those who are undecided on this issue has increased from 6% to 14%.
