From the presentation by Razumkov Centre's President Yuriy Yakymenko at the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum "Darkness or Dawn: Is There Light Ahead?" about the results of a public opinion poll on war and peace conducted by Razumkov Centre in April 2026.

Ukraine entered the fifth year of the full-scale war in the conditions of protracted uncertainty. Despite fatigue, losses and a difficult international situation, Ukrainian society retains the key features — resilience and confidence in its state.

Sociological data show: the majority of citizens continue to believe in victory, although their ideas about it are becoming more realistic. While earlier, expectations of a quick end to the war dominated, now understanding of its duration and complexity prevails.

Confidence: stability amidst turbulence 

Confidence in the defence forces — the Armed Forces, other military formations, volunteers — remains the highest. They significantly surpass all other institutes.

At the same time, confidence in political institutes is lower and more volatile. This means that society remains critical and at the same time, demands effectiveness and responsibility from the authorities.

Expectations and meaning of victory

Society is moving towards a more pragmatic understanding of victory. It is increasingly associated not only with military results but also with security guarantees, recovery of the country and justice.

At the same time, there is a demand for a clear vision of the future, both from the state and international partners.

Resilience and fatigue 

Along with mobilization and support for the army, war fatigue is becoming increasingly noticeable — due to duration, losses, and socio-economic difficulties.

However, this fatigue does not mean giving up resistance. Ukrainian society demonstrates willingness to continue the fight even in more difficult conditions.

Balance of support and demands

Society simultaneously supports the state and makes increased demands on it, regarding justice, transparency and efficiency. 

This creates a new quality of interaction between the authorities and citizens — less emotional, but more responsible.

Expert conclusion

Ukrainian society is becoming more mature and realistic, retaining confidence in victory and realizing the complexity of the road to it.

The future of Ukraine in the eyes of Ukrainians is quite obvious. First of all, it is a democratic state. It is an EU and NATO member. And despite all the difficulties on this way, its choice remains unchanged.

Back to the name of the forum: darkness or dawn?

Persistence, confidence in victory and dedication to the set goals are three pillars of the Ukrainian people, three rays of the dawn for Ukraine, which will certainly come.

https://razumkov.org.ua/statti/ukrainske-suspilstvo-na-piatyi-rik-viiny-dovira-ochikuvannia-nastroi