(Read the full article on UKRINFORM.UA)
The study was presented at a press conference, a Ukrinform correspondent reports.
“The dominant foreign policy vector in Ukraine is European and Euro-Atlantic integration. In all questions concerning the views on Ukraine’s future in the international arena, at least half of the respondents confirmed their pro-Western aspirations. Thus, 64% are in favor of joining the EU and 54% in NATO. Most of those who support Ukraine’s European future are among the youngest (16-24 years old): 66% for joining NATO, 75% for joining the EU. But even in the oldest categories, at least half of the respondents – for the movement of Ukraine in the western direction, “- said in a study.
In general, among the youngest (16-24 years old), in contrast to the older ones, there is a tendency to consolidate around the pro-European idea of Ukraine.
However, a sustainable alternative to European integration is not so much the pro-Russian vector as the demand for equal distance from the West and Russia – this option was chosen by 35%. Among opponents of EU accession, only a quarter are in favor of moving towards Russia. Others – for independent development.
In general, 80% of respondents would support the proclamation of Ukraine’s independence if this process took place today. Only 15% would not support, 5% would hesitate to answer. The highest level of support for Ukraine’s Independence among the generation born after 1991 is 87%. There are also more pro-independence residents in the western and central regions and the more affluent. Despite the differences, at least two-thirds of each of the demographic groups would support Ukraine’s declaration of independence today.
75% of respondents identify themselves as citizens of Ukraine (11% do not feel that way), while 26% identify as Europeans and 21% as a “Soviet person”. Among the representatives of the Independence generation, 86% identify themselves as citizens of Ukraine, and 40% as Europeans. Older people consider themselves less European, but more often than others, identify themselves as “Soviet people.”
The value spectrum of Ukrainians is dominated by universalism, kindness, conformism and security. Wealth and stimulation have the lowest rates. Independence, hedonism and achievement are kept at an average level.
The relative majority of respondents (57%) said that they were generally satisfied with their lives, 21% were dissatisfied, and 23% gave a mediocre assessment. The younger the age and the higher the income, the better the life satisfaction rate. Interestingly, among young people aged 16-24, even in poorer property groups, life satisfaction is relatively high.
Ukrainians aged 16 and older in all oblasts, except for the temporarily occupied territories of Crimea and eastern Ukraine, took part in the survey.