IRI Ukraine Municipal Poll Finds Desire for Local Control in Reconstruction, Decrease in Corruption, Support for EU and NATO Membership 

Kyiv, Ukraine – The latest public opinion survey in Ukraine conducted by the International Republican Institute’s (IRI) Center for Insights in Survey Research (CISR) shows strong interest in how local officials will direct the reconstruction of the country when the war ends, low reported levels of local corruption, and continued robust support for European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) membership.  

“This survey demonstrates that local governments and mayors are responding to their citizens’ needs under extreme wartime conditions. Mayors and other local officials will play an important role in building Ukraine’s future,” said Stephen Nix, IRI’s Senior Director for Eurasia.  

In a post-war reconstruction period, Ukrainians believe the decision-making power should be held by mayors and city councils. The survey across all cities showed a high level of interest in understanding the amount of funds received by the local government for reconstruction and the ways these funds are spent by municipalities with interest ranging from 56% to 76%. 

While corruption remains a concern for Ukrainians, an overwhelming majority of adults across all municipalities (79%-93%) said they have not encountered corruption while accessing local services.

“The sharp decrease of those who have experienced corruption at the local level is an extremely important development in the country. It’s a testament to the work local governments have taken to tackle corruption and focus on their constituents’ needs,” said Nix.  

Consistent with IRI’s previous national poll, Ukrainians continue to want to join the EU and NATO. Support for EU membership ranges from a high of 91% to a low of 72% among residents of cities that are not located on the front lines of the war. Support for NATO membership ranges from a high of 87% to a low of 64% among the same group.  

“Our poll shows that Ukrainians believe that closer ties to the EU and NATO are in their best interest,” said Nix.

Methodology 

The survey was conducted by the Sociological Group “Rating” on behalf of the Center for Insights in Survey Research of the International Republican Institute in 21 cities in Ukraine (Kyiv and oblast centers where the safety situation allowed the survey to be conducted) between April 13 and May 24, 2024, through face-to-face interviews at the respondents’ homes. The total sample consists of n= 16,800 Ukrainians aged 18 and older.  The survey data obtained in each city was weighted by gender and age indicators using data by the State Statistics Service of Ukraine as of January 1, 2022.  The margin of error at the 95 percent confidence level for each does not exceed +/-3.5 percentage points.​ The average response rate was 49 percent.    

The study was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).