KIIS: 55% see progress against corruption, 41% call Ukraine 'hopelessly corrupt'

What the poll found

The Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) published a poll conducted on 8–16 October 2026, Suspilne reported. 1,031 respondents in all government-controlled regions were interviewed by telephone (CATI); the margin of error does not exceed 4.0%.

55% of Ukrainians believe there is positive progress in fighting corruption, down from 57% in December 2025. Meanwhile the share who consider Ukraine “hopelessly corrupt” rose from 35% to 41%.

Corruption and views on the war

Sociologists compared two groups: those who see progress and those who think the situation is hopeless. Their answers on key war questions differ markedly.

Among those who see progress, 27% support withdrawing troops from the Donetsk region in exchange for security guarantees and 70% oppose it. Among those who consider the country hopelessly corrupt the split is nearly even: 47% for, 48% against.

76% of the first group are ready to endure the war for as long as needed, compared with only 43% of the second. 12% of those seeing progress agree the authorities should be more compliant in negotiations, versus 31% of the pessimists.

Why it matters

The poll shows that perceptions of corruption are not only a domestic issue. The more people believe the fight against corruption is hopeless, the lower their readiness to endure the war and the higher their support for concessions. For the authorities it is a signal that anti-corruption results directly affect society’s resilience.

Note that the survey was conducted by phone and does not cover occupied territories or people who have left the country.