Sociologist Holovakha: 27% of Ukrainians are in a state of distress due to the war

Ukrainians today are distinguished by their adaptability to difficult conditions, notes the director of the Institute of Sociology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Yevhen Holovakha. The mood in society may not be the best, but it is slightly improving, which is a good signal, he noted. Indeed, after a certain deterioration in the psychological state of Ukrainians in recent years, a certain improvement is being observed in all directions, which is important for the growth of the psychological resilience of the nation.

After 2022, when there was a significant surge of enthusiasm and the highest ratings in the history of independence, we saw a gradual deterioration. In the second half of 2023 - after the unsuccessful counteroffensive, it got worse in 2024. But in 2025, it will be better than last year

Holovakha emphasized that this improvement is a result of the adaptation of Ukrainians to difficult conditions, as people have a natural ability to adjust to any circumstances. However, at the same time, the number of individuals in a state of distress is increasing, which affects their health and well-being.

Losses due to the war

It is noted that only about 20% of Ukrainians have not lost anything personal due to the war, while the majority have suffered losses of close people, housing, jobs, or businesses. Among Ukrainians, there is a sense of readiness for peace with Russia in exchange for a neutral and non-nuclear status for the country, as demonstrated by a survey conducted by the Razumkov Center. Also, most Ukrainians are willing to endure the war for as long as necessary, as shown by the results of a study by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology.

Ukrainians are showing adaptability in difficult conditions and demonstrating a certain improvement in their psychological state, although some continue to be in a state of distress due to the war's impact on their lives. The development of the psychological resilience of the nation and the possibility of achieving peace under agreed-upon conditions is important.