Ukrainians demonstrate pragmatism, complete intolerance to corruption and have high demands: sociological survey

The second wave of the sociological survey shows that, according to Ukrainians, corruption and war remain the main problems of the country. Moreover, the population has more concerns about corruption in matters of the future recovery than the recurrence of hostilities. In general, Ukrainians will enter 2024 with more pragmatic and rational views, but with a great desire to participate in social processes. 

The data are presented by Transparency International Ukraine in the second wave of the sociological research conducted by the Info Sapiens research agency with the support of the USAID Project Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions (SACCI). The survey was conducted among the population and mayors regarding the needs and expectations of the future reconstruction of Ukraine. 

As in the spring, Ukrainians consider corruption to be the greatest risk in recovery under two parameters at once: the resumption of corruption schemes (79%) and a lack of control resulting in embezzlement (75%). The large scale of destruction (65%) and the threat of the recurrence of hostilities (63%) are ranked third and fourth, respectively. Almost all indicators have shown a significant increase in the past six months. 

Ukrainians consider the following issues to be the main problems of the country: war (March 98%, November 96%), corruption (March 77%, November 88%), and destruction of infrastructure and housing (March 87%, November 82%). However, while at the end of the year, Ukrainians have fewer concerns about war and destruction, corruption risks, on the contrary, worry them more (+11%). 

At the same time, the population’s views on the restoration of Ukraine have become more pragmatic than six months ago. Compared to the previous wave of the research, the share of Ukrainians who believe that the reconstruction will last more than 10 years has significantly grown. In March, 63% of the population believed so; in November, 73% of respondents expected that the restoration would last up to 10 years or more. Ukrainians believe that economic recovery will last as much: 70% think that this process will take 10 years or more.

Ukrainians insist that the authorities should consult the public on reconstruction matters; this desire has not changed in six months — 93% in spring and 92% in autumn. 

It is indicative that the majority (65%) of those who suffered damage and destruction (17% of all respondents) did not apply for compensation. Of these, every third person (37%) believes that the state has more urgent needs. 

“At the end of 2023, the focus of Ukrainians is increasingly shifting towards internal problems. People clearly distinguish corruption as the embodiment of all serious issues Ukraine experiences. The research strongly suggests that Ukrainians are becoming more demanding, not only regarding the results, but also regarding clearly communicated plans that could offset their concerns. They demand full-fledged engagement and honest dialogue from the authorities,” Anastasiya Mazurok, Deputy Executive Director of Transparency International Ukraine, sums up the results of the sociological research. 

Transparency International Ukraine is an accredited chapter of the global movement Transparency International, helping Ukraine grow stronger since 2012. The organization takes a comprehensive approach to the development and implementation of changes for reduction of corruption levels in certain areas.

TI Ukraine helped create and subsequently transferred Prozorro, Prozorro.Sale, eHealth, and Prozvit systems to the state. The team also implemented City Transparency and Accountability Rankings, developed the DOZORRO community to control public procurement, and co-founded the RISE UA Coalition, which protects integrity and efficiency in the rebuilding process.

This research was made possible by the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) within the SACCI project. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of Transparency International Ukraine and does not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

For reference: The Support to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions Program in Ukraine (SACCI) is a seven-year initiative of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which aims to assist Ukraine to combat corruption and increase accountability and transparency of governance in Ukraine. The program seeks to empower key government institutions to fight corruption, build public support for and engagement in anti-corruption efforts, reduce citizen tolerance to corruption, as well as ensure maximum transparency and accountability of Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction and recovery.