Michael Druckman: Ukrainians overwhelmingly support EU membership and unified territorial boundaries

Michael Druckman, the program director for Ukraine at the International Republican Institute, highlighted significant shifts in Ukrainian sentiments during a recent conversation on the English-language podcast Ukraine Calling on Hromadske Radio.

Beginning with positive developments, Mr. Druckman expressed reassurance at the remarkable national unity observed in responses to questions that were once divisive. Notably, issues concerning Ukraine’s future role in the world, EU membership, and NATO alliance revealed a cohesive national stance.

«Ukrainians want to pursue (EU membership – Ed. Note) and not a customs union, for example, with Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan — something we’ve asked for over a decade now».

Mr. Druckman highlighted a notable decrease in division, stating that Ukrainians are «moving more closely to at least being more open to the idea of EU membership and less negative towards NATO».

This unity extended to critical questions about the ongoing war, with Ukrainians overwhelmingly asserting their commitment to winning and retaining all of their territory. The survey brought to light a collective agreement on these issues, illustrating a departure from the historical divisions between the East and South regions.

«We see complete agreement, almost within that margin of error, for all regions of Ukraine», — Mr. Druckman emphasized

Addressing the dynamics of holding elections, Mr. Druckman noted a positive trend in perceptions.

«We don’t see a difference in regions of Ukraine that want to hold elections versus those who don’t».

The surveys conducted in September indicated a shared understanding across the country that the current situation is not conducive to organizing elections meeting democratic standards. This contrasted with the divisions observed in 2011 and 2012 when Eastern Ukraine expressed approval of the government and parliament, while Western Ukraine disagreed with the direction of the country. Currently there is a unanimity of thought between the East and West, even on traditionally divisive political questions.

These shifts in public opinion, as revealed by the International Republican Institute’s surveys, showcase a notable surge in national unity across a spectrum of critical issues, boding well for Ukraine’s future political landscape.

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You may also read or listen the full conversation: «The incredible national unity»: Michael Druckman on Ukrainians’ views and moods