Corruption, shelling and low incomes top the list of problems for Ukrainians
Corruption in government and massive Russian missile and drone strikes have become the problems Ukrainians most often cite as worrying them now. At the same time, a significant part of the population is concerned about low incomes, the work of TCCs, rising prices and the situation at the front.
This is evidenced by the results of a poll conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology on September 12-21, 2026.
Respondents were offered a list of 12 problems and allowed to choose no more than three answers. Most often, Ukrainians named corruption in government – 50%.
In second place were massive missile and drone strikes – 40%. Unprofessionalism and incompetence of the authorities worry 30% of respondents.
Another 28% named low wages, pensions and other incomes among the main problems. The work of TCCs worries 24% of respondents, rising prices – 23%, and the situation at the front – 21%.
KIIS also analyzed responses by broader groups. In total, 53% of respondents chose massive missile and drone strikes or the situation at the front – or both simultaneously. Thus, more than half of Ukrainians are concerned primarily about the war and its consequences.
At the same time, 64% named at least one of two problems related to the work of the authorities: corruption or unprofessionalism and incompetence. That is, this complex of problems in the current survey format was mentioned more often than the aggregate military factor.
Sociologists, however, urge caution in interpreting this comparison. The result significantly depends on the wording of the question and whether people are offered a ready-made list of answers.
For example, in February 2026, KIIS asked an open question without prompts about the biggest problems and challenges. Then 65% of respondents independently named the war and related problems, while corruption – 29%.
According to KIIS Executive Director Anton Hrushetskyi, direct mention of corruption in the list of options may more strongly raise this issue for respondents. Therefore, the data from this survey should not be interpreted as evidence that Ukrainians generally consider corruption a greater threat than Russian aggression.
The survey was conducted by telephone interviews among 1002 adult citizens of Ukraine living in government-controlled territory. Citizens who went abroad after February 24, 2022 were not included in the sample. The formal statistical error for indicators around 50% does not exceed 4.1%.
Based on materials from: KIIS
