Resources

Opportunities and Challenges Facing Ukraine’s Democratic Transition

The most current polling NDI conducted in Ukraine provides new insights into the current mood of Ukrainian societies. It shows that the war is taking a heavy toll on Ukraine and its people. Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukrainians have become more realistic but by no means less defiant. They are more committed than ever to building a functioning democracy and to joining NATO and the European Union.

The poll was conducted nationwide from November 14-22.

Support for NATO Rises in Latest NDI Ukraine Poll

The number of Ukrainians who want to join NATO – as well as the European Union – is growing. NATO Secretary General Jans Stoltenberg has commented that "NATO's door is open" for Ukraine to join the alliance, and recent discussions have centered on lowering the threshold for entry.

Ukrainian Parliament Strengthens Accountability and Cooperation Mechanisms

With technical assistance from the National Democratic Institute (NDI), the Verkhovna Rada (parliament) of Ukraine is exercising critical oversight functions and engaging in cross-faction dialogue. As the country fights for its very existence, they’re working toward a consensus on a parliamentary ethics code and other issues integral to Ukraine’s future.

Study Visit for Ukrainian MPs on Parliamentary Oversight of Military Assistance

NDI January 2023 Poll: Opportunities and Challenges Facing Ukraine's Democratic Transition

Approaching the one year anniversary of Russia’s unprovoked and illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainians remain committed to Ukrainian victory and optimistic about the country’s future despite significant hardships. According to NDI polling, 89 percent of Ukrainians report being optimistic about Ukraine’s future, primarily citing Ukraine’s victory as the reason for their optimism.

Opportunities and Challenges Facing Ukraine’s Democratic Transition

In the face of unprecedented Russian military aggression, Ukrainians are more united than ever in their desire for democracy, with a historic high 95 percent supporting Ukraine becoming a fully functioning democracy - an opinion shared equally across regions. In that same vein, respondents identified freedom of speech, equal justice for all, and free and fair elections as the three most important characteristics of a fully functioning democracy.