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.
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.