The National Democratic Institute (NDI) has released the results of its latest national telephone survey of Ukrainians, its first during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the new study, completed in August 2020, the pandemic has deeply impacted many aspects of Ukrainians’ lives, especially their economic outlook. Despite these challenges, Ukrainians remain committed to democratic values, although they have become less optimistic about the future over the past year. 

COVID-19 impact on Ukraine: health and economic trade-offs

The National Democratic Institute (NDI) has released its latest wave of national survey results in Ukraine. The most recent round of research, completed in December 2019, shows an optimistic and hopeful Ukraine with citizens expressing a clear desire to engage in politics. Across the country, and in every demographic group, Ukrainians continue to be united in the importance of Ukraine becoming a fully functioning democracy, with 81 percent of respondents sharing that view.

NDI’s latest nationwide survey, completed in September 2019 following July parliamentary elections, shows that optimism and expectations, already high in May,  have continued to rise. This trend continues to define the post-election environment. The biggest changes in attitudes have taken place in the west of the country, which is now the most optimistic region.

NDI’s latest nationwide survey, completed in May 2019, following the second round of the presidential election, shows a dramatic increase in optimism and high expectations for the newly elected president as well as the country as a whole. The assessment of the presidential election far exceeded expectations with overwhelming majority of respondents (88 percent) assessing the process positively. In addition, support for EU and NATO has grown nationally and in every region of the country.

NDI’s latest nationwide survey (completed December 2018) shows that with March 31st presidential elections approaching, more than 50 percent of Ukrainians are undecided. They value honesty above all other qualities in a candidate, including experience. Among voters with a preference, an actor who plays an honest but entirely fictional president in a television show is as popular as the leader of Ukraine’s oldest political party.  

This statement is offered by a joint international delegation organized by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the European Parliament. The delegation’s purposes were: to accurately and impartially assess electoral preparations in advance of Ukraine's 2019 presidential election; review the broader political environment; examine factors that could affect the integrity of the electoral process; and offer recommendations that could contribute to peaceful, credible elections and public confidence in the electoral process.

NDI Ukraine’s July 2018 public opinion survey showed overwhelming and stable support for a fully functioning democracy (83 percent). The demand remains strong across all regions of Ukraine with equal justice for all and free and fair elections being the most important characteristics of democracy for Ukrainian citizens.

This Global Edition of the Defending Digital Democracy Cybersecurity Campaign Playbook was written by a multi-partisan and international team of experts in cybersecurity, politics, and law to provide simple, actionable ways of countering the growing cyber threat.

NDI Ukraine's latest nationwide survey (completed in December 2017) showed several important trends, including growing support for gender equality in political life. For the first time, more than half of Ukrainians (52 percent) support the equal participation of men and women – or more women than men – in political life.

Several important social trends have been observed in NDI Ukraine's latest nationwide survey, completed in July 2017. These trends include growing support for gender equality in political life, rising demand for a more modern, service-based relationship between government and society, and increased willingness to participate in elections and civic activities.