Survey reveals deep-seated fears among Ukrainians about Russia's aims

The Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) published the results of a survey conducted between 14 February and 4 March 2025. The survey indicated that sixty-six percent of Ukrainian citizens believe that Russia is intent on destroying their country and nation.

The survey reveals that twenty-eight per cent of respondents think that Russia wants to commit genocide against Ukrainians, and thirty-eight per cent believe the goal is to occupy most of Ukraine's territory and undermine its statehood. Additionally, fourteen per cent claim that Russia wants to establish a puppet government, while seven per cent point to the aim of seizing Donbas and the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions.

Researchers from KIIS note that eighty-seven per cent of Ukrainians do not believe Russia will stop at the territories it currently occupies. Only four per cent of respondents believe that Russia wishes to maintain its current gains, and three per cent hold the view of demilitarisation in Ukraine. Seven per cent could not answer the question regarding Russia's objectives.

Anton Hrushetskyi, the executive director of KIIS, emphasises that despite war fatigue, Ukrainians are unwilling to accept peace on any terms. "This means that, despite fatigue, the will to fight remains undeniable, and most Ukrainians are prepared to endure the conflict for as long as necessary," Hrushetskyi stated. In his opinion, the perception of existential threat is one of the reasons for this remarkable resilience.

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