Following the schedule of joint project of the Kiev International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) and the Levada Center (Russia), KIIS has conducted a nationwide opinion poll regarding attitude of Ukrainians towards Russia and attitude of Russia towards Ukrainian population, which was held during the period of February 10-19, 2012. 2029 respondents were interviewed; the investigation covered all regions of Ukraine, including Kiev and Crimea Region; the sample was random and is deemed to be representative for population of Ukraine aged 18 and older.

Statistical sample deviation (with probability of 0.95 and design-effect of 1.5) does not exceed:
2.3% for index close to 50%,
2,0% — for index close to 25%,
1,4% — for index close to 10%,
1,0% — for index close to 5%.

Investigation, held by the Levada-Center, is representative for adult population and was conducted during the period of January 20-23, 2012. Sample counts 1600 respondents aged 18 years and covers 127 settlements.

Dynamics of Ukrainians’ answers to the following question: "What is your general attitude to Russia?"; and dynamics of Russians’ answers to the following question: "What is your general attitude to Ukraine?"

• If we take a look at the dynamics of attitude of Ukrainians toward Russia during the last 4 years, we would see that 2009-2010 years showed a kind of stability, and positive attitude towards Russia constituted 90-93%. A significant decline of this indicator began in 2011 and it reached 80%. However, it should be noted that the situation has improved in the end when compared to the one we had in November 2011: the number of positively minded towards Russia increased from 80% (in November 2011) to 86%. Number of negative minded Ukrainians towards Russia on the contrary has declined from 13% in November 2011 to 9% in February 2012; 6% of respondents could not answer the questions.
• In terms of regional distribution, as before, majority of positive minded Ukrainians towards Russia are concentrated in the Southern (94%) and Eastern (92%) regions, the smallest part lives in the Western region (65%). In the Central area a positive attitude towards Russia makes up 89%. When compared to 2011, the number of positively disposed towards Russia has significantly increased in the Western (from 55% to 65%), Southern (89% to 95%) and Central (78% to 89%) regions. The number of positively minded towards Russia has slightly decreased only among residents of the Eastern region (from 96% to 92%)
• The attitude of Russians towards Ukraine was commented by Deputy Director of the Levada Center, Alexei Grazhdankin: “another one “gas dispute” has somewhat spoiled the image of Ukraine in the eyes of the Russians. This image is the most positive among young people aged 24 years and younger, and among very low-income population. The share of supporters of uniting with Ukraine into a single state is the same as in your survey; the share of supporters of isolation is a little bigger; but the predominant idea in both countries ("to be independent but friendly states”) remains unchanged.”

Дійсно, кількість позитивно налаштованих росіян зменшилася з 68% у вересні 2011 р. до 64% у січні 2012 р. Кількість тих, хто негативно ставиться до України, практично не змінилася (25%).

Overall still Ukraine’s attitude towards Russia is much better than vice versa.

Dynamics answers of Russians and Ukrainians to the following question: "What relations would you like to see between Ukraine and Russia?"

• In Ukraine, like in Russia, the situation remains stable, there are no statistically significant changes in the preferences of Ukrainians and Russians. And in Ukraine and in Russia the majority of respondents would like to see both countries independent but friendly states with open borders without visas and customs (in Ukraine — 69%, in Russia — 61%).
• Only 13% of respondents in Ukraine and 16% of respondents in Russia would like to see more isolated independent existence with closed borders, visas and customs.
• In recent years there were more Ukrainians than Russians, who would prefer the two countries to unite into a single state; however, now we see these indicators coincided: 16% of Ukrainians and 16% of Russians seek for unification into a single state.

Application