A recent survey reveals that 47% of Ukrainians support joining NATO even if parts of their territory remain occupied by Russia. This figure reflects a significant shift in public opinion, rising 14 percentage points since June 2023.
The survey, conducted by the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation and the Razumkov Center’s sociological service from November 29 to December 14, 2024, also found that 36% of respondents oppose NATO membership under these conditions. This represents a 16-point drop in opposition compared to mid-2023.
Support for NATO membership varies across demographics. Respondents aged 50 and older (40%), those from eastern (36%), central (38%), and southern (48%) regions prior to the full-scale invasion, individuals living below the poverty line (46%), and those without close relatives in occupied territories (42%) were more likely to oppose joining NATO under these terms.
Despite these divisions, the survey highlights strong overall support for NATO as the optimal path to ensuring Ukraine’s security, with 55% of respondents endorsing this position. A neutral status guaranteed by international agreements was favored by 12%, while only 3% of respondents supported alternatives such as a non-aligned status with limited defensive capabilities or relying solely on Ukraine’s own resources.
