John O’Loughlin

Protestors denounce President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decision to dismiss Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov at a rally in Kyiv on July 17, 2026, AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky

Amid grinding war, protesting Ukrainians still want their voices and values heard at home

The defense minister’s firing was the catalyst, but polling suggests Ukrainians are rallying around a broader fight for freedoms and against corruption.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy talks with U.S. President Donald Trump at the NATO summit on July 8, 2026. Win McNamee/Getty Images

We asked Ukrainians what they think of Trump – more view him as an enemy than a friend

Despite holding a low opinion of the US president and his negotiators, most Ukrainians have favorable views toward Americans more generally.
National identity: despite Moscow’s best efforts, Ukrainians are increasingly looking to the west for their future. Oleksii Chumachenko/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire)

Putin’s plan to stop Ukraine turning to the west has failed – our survey shows support for Nato is at an all‑time high

Moscow’s fears that Ukraine was turning towards the west prompted the invasion. This has backfired dramatically.

Contact John for

  • General
  • Media request
  • Speaking request
  • Consulting / Advising
  • Research collaboration
  • Research supervision