85% of Ukrainians would vote for Independence today- new poll findings

Source: Demokratychni Initsiatyvy 

A fresh poll by the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation and the Razumkov Center’s sociological service reveals that if a referendum on Ukraine’s independence were held today, a staggering 85% of Ukrainians would check the box for freedom.

The idea would certainly garner  support across the board—whether it’s the tech-savvy youth or the wise elders over 60, city slickers or country dwellers. It’s a landslide in favor of independence, with 85% of the youth and 83% of the older generation backing it. City residents are at 86%, while rural areas follow closely at 84.5%.

The love for independence is traditionally strongest in the western regions (93%), while the central Ukraine stands tall at 87%. Meanwhile the Eastern Ukraine number stands  at 78%, and the southern regions at 72%. Only a minuscule 2% of respondents nationwide would vote against independence, with western Ukrainians almost unanimous at less than 1% opposed and the eastern Ukrainians at around 4%.

This wave of patriotic fervor is hitting historic highs, almost matching the record 87.5% support back in August 2022.  The survey also reveals that 76% of Ukrainians believe Russians still don’t see Ukraine as an independent, sovereign state. This sentiment cuts across all ages, genders, and regions, with the strongest convictions in the Center of Ukraine (80.5%) and West (78%), and even the South (72%) and East (66%) holding firm.

The poll also shines a light on how Ukrainians feel about the country’s direction. Positive feelings have dipped slightly from 49% in 2023 to 40% this year, with 37% thinking things are headed the wrong way. Interestingly, men are a bit more optimistic than women, who show a higher degree of uncertainty.

In a strong show of national pride, an overwhelming 86% of Ukrainians plan to build their future in their homeland. The majority—59%—are resolute about staying. This determination spans all income levels and age groups, with the desire to stay in Ukraine growing stronger with age. While 74% of the youth are committed to their country, this figure rises steadily to 93% among the oldest respondents.