The majority of Ukrainians see Russia as an existential threat

The Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KMIS) has published the results of a study conducted between February 14 and March 4, 2025, which indicated that 66 percent of Ukrainian citizens believe Russia's objective is to obliterate their country and nation.

The survey reveals that 28 percent of respondents believe Russia intends to commit genocide against Ukrainians. In comparison, 38 percent think the goal is to occupy most of Ukraine's territory and dismantle its statehood. Additionally, 14 percent claim Russia wants to install a puppet government, and 7 percent point to the aim of annexing Donbas along with the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions.

Researchers from KMIS note that 87 percent of Ukrainians do not believe Russia will stop at the currently occupied territories. Only 4 percent of respondents think Russia merely wants to maintain its current gains, and 3 percent believe in the demilitarization of Ukraine. Seven percent could not answer the question about Russia's goals.

Anton Hruszecki, executive director of KMIS, highlights that while war fatigue exists, Ukrainians are unwilling to accept peace under any conditions. He emphasizes that despite exhaustion, the determination to fight remains strong, with most Ukrainians ready to endure the conflict for as long as necessary. According to him, the sense of existential threat plays a key role in this remarkable resilience.

The study was conducted using computer-assisted telephone interviews. It did not include residents of territories occupied by Russia or Ukrainians residing outside the country's borders.