Recent findings from a joint poll conducted by the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation and the Center for Political Sociology have indicated the main dangers Ukrainian see in the upcoming months as Russia’s war against them continues. They range from concerns about security, to the effects of corruption and economic hardship.
The poll was conducted using face-to-face interviews from June 5 to 15, 2023 and included 2,001 respondents aged 18 and older from regions in Ukraine where military operations were not taking place. The maximum random sampling error was found to be within 2.3%.
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The survey revealed that 60% of the population is worried about the possibility of massive attacks on cities in the near future. Additionally, 45% of respondents are worried about potential disruptions in electricity, heat, or water supply. The rising cost of essential goods is another major concern for 40% of those surveyed.
Significantly, the poll also identified corruption within government bodies as a worry for 34% of respondents.
30% expressed concerns about the potential of a new offensive by Russian troops. Furthermore, nearly a quarter of participants predict a deterioration in the situation related to environmental pollution and the use of nuclear weapons by the Russian Federation.
Interestingly, the three primary security concerns were consistent across the country, regardless of respondents' macro-region of residence. However, regional differences emerged when it came to other issues.
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In the western and central regions, corruption and the potential for a new Russian offensive were particularly acute concerns.
By contrast, residents in the eastern regions were more worried about the use of nuclear weapons and environmental pollution. In the southern regions, the spread of diseases or epidemics, possibly exacerbated by the destruction of the Kakhovka HPP dam, was a significant concern.
Among financially vulnerable segments of the population, the fear of shortages in essential goods and sharp price increases for such goods was especially relevant. The potential cessation of military and economic support from the West was deemed likely by only 15% and 11% of respondents, respectively.
In addition to security concerns, respondents frequently mentioned fears related to material and financial threats, as well as threats to their well-being. Specifically, 45% of polled Ukrainians expressed concern that their families could face health deterioration or loss of life due to military operations in the near future.
Approximately 33% of respondents feared losing their sources of income, while around a quarter of citizens worried about separation from family members or the mobilization of a family member.
The survey also shed light on the financial hardships faced by some Ukrainians. Roughly 10% of the population currently lives below the poverty line, and 41% of respondents reported having just enough money to meet their basic survival needs. The situation has remained unchanged since December 2022. Notably, unemployed individuals, particularly those unable to work due to age or health limitations, experienced the most severe financial difficulties.
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