Ukrainians Believe that Country’s Future Depends on EU Membership

The vast majority of Ukrainians believe that the future of Ukraine as a prosperous free country depends on whether it becomes a member of the European Union.

Such poll results were published by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS).

“Eighty-two per cent of respondents agree that the future of Ukraine as a prosperous free country depends on whether it becomes a member of the EU (including 50% who fully agree). Fourteen per cent do not agree with this,” the Institute informs.

At the same time, it is noted that the absolute majority of the population in all regions of Ukraine believe that the future prosperity of Ukraine depends on joining the EU. In particular, 78% and 81% of residents of the East and South think so (versus, respectively, 17% and 14% who disagree with this statement).

Sociologists emphasise that since the 1990s, support for joining the European Union has been growing in Ukraine. Russia’s large-scale invasion in 2022 only strengthened support for European integration and largely erased regional differences.

In addition, the research data indicate that 64% of Ukrainians consider that it is necessary to try to liberate the entire territory of Ukraine, including currently occupied Crimea.

“The majority of respondents – 64% – believe that Ukraine should try to liberate the entire territory, including Crimea, even if there is a risk of a decrease in support from the West and a risk of a longer war. In contrast, 24% prefer the option Ukraine may give up military actions in Crimea in exchange for the liberation and protection of all territories with Donbas (but without Crimea),” the research says.

Sociologists note that the vast majority of respondents in all regions of Ukraine insist on the liberation of all territories, including Crimea. While support for the “compromise” is no more than 27%, depending on the region.

Bohdan Marusyak