23.09.2025

Expert of Rating Group Roman Borysov and Professor Nataliia Chernysh — on their joint study of Ukrainians’ resilience

The sociological company Rating Group has released a study titled “Problems of Social Cohesion in Ukraine.” This is a joint academic project with Nataliia Chernysh, Doctor of Sociology and Professor at the Department of Sociology of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv.

The research team examined how resilient and cohesive Ukrainians are, the extent to which we trust one another, and whether we are willing to help others.

"We wanted to determine the actual state of national resilience in Ukrainian society and to measure it through the language of numbers. In the summer of 2025, the National Resilience Index stood at 3.6 out of 5. Its slight decline is due to the prolonged war as well as the drop in trust in government. At the same time, we record a strengthening of social bonds and their growing role. This is crucial for withstanding Russian aggression, maintaining hope for ultimate victory, and ensuring post-war renewal,” said Nataliia Chernysh, Doctor of Sociology and Professor.

As noted by Roman Borysov, Head of the Analytics Division at the Department of Strategic Research of Rating Group:

"Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, civic identity has taken the leading position, clearly surpassing regional identity, for example. It has become a key factor of unity, and the duration of its effect has already exceeded the typical span of the ‘rally ’round the flag’ phenomenon. As for the markers of societal resilience, these are primarily trust within society and direct manifestations of social capital: the experience of helping others, volunteering, mutual support, and participation in civic organizations."

Roman Borysov also emphasizes the importance of synergy between the research agency and the academic community:

"This project is a great example of fruitful collaboration between Rating Group as a research agency and scholars from the academic world. It is a particular pleasure to work with the giants of Ukrainian science, especially Nataliia Yosypivna Chernysh, who stood at the origins of modern Ukrainian sociology. Her profound knowledge, insight, and genuine enthusiasm are truly inspiring, encouraging us to rethink our approaches and to open up new perspectives for the development of sociology."

Learn more about Ukrainians’ cohesion and societal trust in the press release of the study.

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