The survey results clearly demonstrate that, for citizens, security begins with a country’s own ability to defend itself.
Even those who support external guarantees as one of the components of sustainable peace do not consider them sufficient without capable Ukrainian Defense Forces.
Research findings:
- 36.8% believe that modernization and expansion of the Ukrainian army are the key guarantee of peace.
- 34.9% view possession of nuclear weapons as a security guarantee.
- 30.1% support security guarantees from the United States and the European Union based on the principles of Article 5, but without formal membership.
- 29.7% support Ukraine’s accession to NATO.
What this means: society is thinking pragmatically — security guarantees must not be purely political, but backed by Ukraine’s own internal strength.
Public perceptions of future security are based on the belief that Ukraine must be capable of defending itself even in the event of failures within the international “security architecture.”
What should be taken into account: in government communication about peace and security, it is crucial to explain how current or future security guarantees will be reinforced by the strength, capabilities, and resources necessary for Ukraine to defend itself independently.
