Stronger than bombs: Ukrainians' belief in victory rises in year 4 of war
Moods of Ukrainians amid the war (photo: Getty Images)
Ukrainians continue to live in a state of chronic exhaustion but do not lose faith in victory, reports Gradus Research.
Fatigue dominates society
87% of respondents reported constant stress. The most common emotions are fatigue (55%), tension (41%), and, at the same time, hope (36%). Sociologists note that growing fatigue is accompanied by increased faith in a better future.
Gradus emphasizes that fatigue has become a background state, but society maintains dignity, resilience, and hope.
Moods of Ukrainians (infographic: Gradus Research)
The labor market holds steady despite the war
59% of Ukrainians are employed with income (compared to 61% last year). The highest unemployment is among young people aged 18-24 and those nearing retirement age, at 39%. Half of the respondents reported decreased income, which older Ukrainians especially strongly felt.
The Armed Forces are the most trusted
Ukrainians express the highest trust in the Armed Forces (58%), followed by the president (31%) and volunteers (29%). Even if the situation worsens, 55% plan to stay home, and only 11% are ready to leave the country.
When the war will end—and what will follow
19% expect the war to end by the end of 2025 — more than last year's 12%. Half of Ukrainians are convinced that the country will become stronger after the war, while 35% believe reconstruction will take more than five years.
What Ukrainians think about the duration of hostilities in Ukraine (infographic: Gradus Research)
Regarding language use, 72% of respondents speak Ukrainian at home, significantly more than at the beginning of the full-scale war in 2022 (53%).
Which language Ukrainians speak most often at home in 2025 (infographic: Gradus Research)
Earlier, we wrote that by late spring 2025, the share of Ukrainians willing to endure the war "as long as necessary" increased to 60%, after dropping to 54% before. This indicates the restoration of psychological resilience amid prolonged confrontation and growing pressure.
We also reported that only 33% of Ukrainians feel happy during the war, while 28% feel unhappy. Regarding happiness levels, Ukraine ranks second to last among 35 countries in the global Gallup International survey, reflecting the deep emotional impact of the war on society.
