This article discusses how the war has fundamentally transformed not only Ukraine’s political landscape, but also societal attitudes towards the conflict, territorial losses, and the real role of sociology in political decision-making. The focus is on the absence of genuine options for the country, the presence of collective illusions, and the shifting balance between different segments of society.
The author examines whether sociological survey results influence authorities, considering that public opinion had long been disregarded. Latest polls indicate that over 70% of Ukrainians are ready to end the war by freezing the situation along the current front line and accepting an unrecognized status for the occupied territories. Nevertheless, the government largely continues to act according to its own interests and the realities of war rather than mainstream opinion.
Special attention is paid to the divergence in views between various age and social groups. The analysis highlights that the perspective of those not directly involved in the war (for example, pensioners or women) differs from the mobilized population, whose opinion is often diluted in polling results. At the same time, society tends to support not necessarily their true beliefs, but what is the generally accepted narrative.
The article also addresses political prospects: among potential presidential candidates, Zaluzhnyi and Budanov are currently leading significantly over Zelenskyi in hypothetical elections. Regardless of outcomes, the next parliament is expected to shift away from majority dominance by Zelenskyi’s party. Electoral scenarios under wartime conditions are discussed, including strategic influences from political actors and limitations inherent in the context.
The author further explores geopolitical issues, including Ukraine’s NATO status, the search for alternative security guarantees, and paradoxes in constitutional rhetoric. The piece concludes with a reflection on the persistent faith in political and mythological promises, which, the author argues, often substitutes for rationality and dominates Ukrainian political culture today.
