How Ukrainians perceive the world: results of a sociological study

The sociological company Active Group, together with the information and analytical center Experts Club conducted a public opinion study in April on Ukrainians’ international sympathies. The survey was carried out online among 800 respondents representative by age, gender and region. The aim of the study was to find out which countries enjoy the greatest trust and sympathy in Ukrainian society.

“This study confirms the general vector of public sentiment in Ukraine, which has intensified since the start of the full-scale war. Ukrainians clearly associate the support received primarily from European Union countries and Britain with a positive attitude toward them,” noted Active Group co-founder Oleksandr Poznii at a press conference at the “Interfax-Ukraine” agency on Thursday.

According to the study, Ukrainians rate Britain most positively — a total of 77.2% of respondents gave positive answers — followed by Canada (76.3%) and France (74%). It is especially telling that only 1.1% spoke completely negatively about France. Germany currently has the support of 68.8% of Ukrainians. According to Oleksandr Poznii, the high level of trust in this country is determined, first of all, by its long-term support for Ukrainian reforms and the defense sector, its policy toward Ukrainian refugees and other initiatives.

Ukrainians show a rather moderately positive attitude toward the United States of America: 36.1% of those surveyed rate the US positively, while another 31.2% hold a neutral position. By contrast, almost a third — 29.9% — now view the country negatively. According to experts, these results point to deep polarization in the perception of the US within Ukraine, caused by changes in American policy after the new administration came to power.

“For many Ukrainians, the US is still a guarantor of support, but it is also a state with an ambivalent role in global conflicts, which may provoke a mixed reaction in society,” believes Experts Club founder Maksym Urakin.

Ukrainians are rather critical of Hungary (56% negative attitude) and Slovakia (34.6% negative).

“Such results are not surprising — the official rhetoric of Budapest and Bratislava often diverges from Ukraine’s interests and is perceived as pro-Russian, which cannot help but be reflected in public opinion,” commented Oleksandr Poznii.

The situation with China is no better: 42.8% of Ukrainians have a negative opinion of this country, and only 19.6% rate it positively. Meanwhile, 27.6% chose a neutral answer.

“It is particularly interesting that even economically important partners of Ukraine, such as China (the largest trading partner), receive low support ratings among Ukrainians. This indicates that Ukrainian society places moral support above actual trade and does not recognize ‘neutrality’ unless it is accompanied by humanitarian gestures,” noted Maksym Urakin.

A high level of trust is evident in attitudes toward Japan: 66% of respondents view it positively, and only 3.6% negatively. Japan is perceived as a country with a high cultural reputation and technological leadership. South Korea is also viewed positively by 49.7% of Ukrainians, although the level of negativity here is somewhat higher — 14%.

Turkey, despite partnership projects (particularly in the field of drones), is perceived rather ambiguously: 46.4% of respondents view it positively and 12% negatively.

Ukrainians are favorably disposed toward Brazil — 33.3% positive attitudes versus 9.3% negative — and mostly neutral toward other Latin American countries. According to Oleksandr Poznii, this indicates neutral interest rather than a clearly formed position.

As for Saudi Arabia, 25.2% of Ukrainians have a positive attitude and 9.5% a negative one. The remaining respondents either take a neutral position or abstained from answering.

“These countries inspire trust thanks to their efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine, in particular prisoner exchanges, and also act as a negotiating platform; they are also of interest in the economic sphere,” believes Urakin.

The study’s findings, as Oleksandr Poznii emphasizes, are an indicator of international trust and of the potential for developing bilateral relations between Ukraine and countries around the world.

Maksym Urakin, in turn, added that the image of states in the eyes of Ukrainians can be improved by supporting projects for Ukraine’s recovery (even without military involvement), establishing direct dialogue through embassies and public diplomacy projects, and explaining their positions through historical context, without avoiding publicity.

The presentation can be viewed here