Ukrainians show their stamina for war: poll findings

Source: Kyiv International Institute of Sociology 

A new survey reveals that 63% of Ukrainians are willing to endure the war as long as necessary, a slight dip from the steadfast 70%+ levels seen since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Overall, 69% say they’re ready to withstand the hardships of war for a year or more, while 19% see themselves holding out for a few more months to half a year.

Support for long-term resilience has taken a hit in Ukraine’s south, dropping from 71% to 57%. In the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions, over 70% were ready to endure indefinitely back in February 2024; now, only 48% feel they are up to a lengthy fight, with 38% still eager to hold out as long as it takes.

Western and central Ukraine see growing uncertainty, though many residents remain confident in Ukraine’s eventual success. Still, 12% of respondents couldn’t gauge their own endurance level for the conflict—a threefold increase from previous years, hinting at rising concerns about Ukraine’s future.

Interestingly, perception that Russia has depleted resources aligns with greater resilience: 77% of those who think Russia is running low on supplies are ready to endure for as long as needed. Among those who see Russia’s resources as “limitless,” 52% still support a long-term stance, while 28% feel their patience may only last a few more months.

It is worth noting that  67% of men and 60% of women across all ages expressed readiness to persevere through the ongoing war.

Amendments to Ukraine’s enforcement proceedings legislation, initiated by the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, have entered into force. Among other measures, the reform provides for the automated lifting of attachments on bank accounts immediately after debts in enforcement proceedings have been fully settled. The main practical benefit for citizens is the complete elimination of the need to contact an enforcement officer in person and wait for paper decisions once the debt has been paid.

The 157th Separate Mechanized Brigade has received another batch of supplies as part of Rinat Akhmetov’s Steel Front military initiative. This time, the military received seven quad bikes and four mobile shower and bath units.

In my previous column, I wrote about social innovations in Ukraine. Those innovations are part of civic resilience and the democratization of security, which Europe is paying close attention to right now. The EU is trying to work out how to spread responsibility for its own security across society as a whole, rather than leaving it to institutions alone. It is looking for concrete ways to bring ordinary people into the work of defense and resistance.

Petro Poroshenko’s lawyers have appealed to the High Anti-Corruption Court demanding that NABU be obligated to register proceedings regarding the fact of exerting influence on the court and to recognize Petro Poroshenko as a victim in the case of the Deputy Head of the Office of the President, Iryna Mudra, due to her pressure on Supreme Court judges who were considering a lawsuit to overturn sanctions.

Internationally recognized brands and financial institutions should direct capital to Ukraine now, not waiting for the hostilities to end. This was emphasized by Rinat Akhmetov, president of FC Shakhtar, during a working visit to UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, where he met with UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin.