**Russian-Speaking Ukrainians Reject Russia’s Narrative**
A recent survey conducted by the Kyiv-based think tank Razumkov Center in cooperation with the Kyiv Security Forum has revealed that a vast majority of Russian-speaking Ukrainians view Russia negatively. The poll, which was published on May 27, surveyed 2,021 Ukrainian citizens aged 18 and older in territories under Ukrainian government control.
According to the survey, only 11% of respondents said they primarily speak Russian at home. However, among this group, a staggering 82% expressed a negative view of Russia. This is a stark contrast to Russia’s narrative that it is protecting Russian-speaking communities in Ukraine.
The results are significant, especially considering Russia’s recent claims about the supposed plight of Russian-speaking residents in Kyiv-controlled areas. As recently as May 23, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed that Moscow “cannot leave” these residents and would “protect them.” However, the data suggests that this narrative is widely rejected by those it claims to defend.
**Western Countries Gain Approval**
Interestingly, admiration for Western countries remains strong among Ukrainian citizens. A whopping 79% of respondents view France positively, while 75% feel the same about the United Kingdom. This is a testament to Ukraine’s growing ties with Europe and its desire to adopt European values.
The survey also found that 42% of respondents identified the European model of social development as the most attractive, further undermining Kremlin rhetoric about cultural and political alignment. In contrast, just 6% expressed a preference for the Russian model.
**Ukrainian Military Remains Resilient**
Despite ongoing Russian attacks, support for Ukraine’s military remains resilient. An impressive 81.5% of those surveyed said they trust the Armed Forces of Ukraine, reflecting sustained public confidence in the country’s defense.
**War Leads to National Shift in Language Use**
The war has also catalyzed a national shift in language use. According to a 2024 Rating Group poll, 70% of Ukrainians now speak exclusively or primarily in Ukrainian at home – up from 50% in 2015 and 46% in 2006.
This is significant, especially considering that in 2014, just after Russia’s annexation of Crimea, a separate Rating Group poll showed that 56% of Ukrainians already opposed granting Russian the status of a second state language. The war has accelerated this shift, with many Ukrainians embracing their national language as a symbol of resilience and unity.
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