In the attitude of Ukrainians towards Israel, positivity prevails over neutrality and negativity. How Ukrainians perceive the world: results of a sociological study

In April 2025, the sociological company Active Group, together with the information and analytical center Experts Club, conducted a public opinion survey regarding the international sympathies of Ukrainians, and published the results on May 12, 2025. The survey was conducted among 800 respondents, representative by age, gender, and regions.

The purpose of the study was to determine which countries enjoy the most trust and sympathy among the Ukrainian population.

Ukrainians’ Attitude Towards Israel

According to the sociological survey results, Ukrainians’ attitude towards Israel is generally positive.

Thus, 42.1% of respondents expressed positive attitudes towards Israel (33.1% — mostly positive, 9.0% — completely positive).

39.8% of respondents expressed a neutral position.

13.8% of Ukrainians have a negative attitude towards Israel (9.7% — mostly negative, 4.1% — completely negative).

Another 4.3% were undecided.

“According to the citizens of Ukraine, Israel is perceived with a great advantage towards positivity, both through historical ties and the established image of this country as a high-tech state with competent healthcare and a high standard of living,” noted Maxim Urakin, candidate of economic sciences and founder of the Experts Club.

Experts note that the positive perception of Israel among Ukrainians may be related to diplomatic relations, humanitarian aid, and the country’s technological development.

Ukrainians’ Attitude Towards Israel’s Neighbors

Iran: Positive: 5.0%, Negative: 60.9%.

“Palestine“: Positive: 5.0%, Negative: 37.2%.

Lebanon: Positive: 5.2%, Negative: 19.4%.

Syria: Positive: 7.5%, Negative: 29.5%.

Jordan: Positive: 12.5%, Negative: 12.9%.

Main Results of the Study

The study showed that Ukrainians’ attitudes towards different countries have significantly changed since the war in Ukraine began. Trust and sympathy towards some countries have strengthened, while others have faced growing dissatisfaction. It is important to note that the positive perception of Israel in this context differs significantly by regions and context.

Positive Perception

United Kingdom, Canada, and France enjoy the most trust among Ukrainians. According to the study, 77.2% of respondents have a positive opinion of the UK, 76.3% — Canada, and 74% — France. Notably, only 1.1% of respondents expressed a completely negative attitude towards France.

At the same time, Germany has the support of 68.8% of Ukrainians. This is explained by the long-standing support of Ukrainian reforms, defense assistance, and the refugee policy.

Mixed Perception

As for the United States of America, their perception in Ukraine is quite ambivalent. Around 36.1% of Ukrainians rated the USA positively, while 29.9% expressed a negative attitude, indicating the polarized sentiments within Ukrainian society towards American politics.

Negative Perception

Ukrainians are particularly critical of Hungary and Slovakia. 56% of respondents expressed a negative attitude towards Hungary, and 34.6% — towards Slovakia. These countries are perceived as pro-Russian, which is explained by their official rhetoric and policies, which often diverge from Ukraine’s interests.

In addition, China also has a low rating among Ukrainians, with 42.8% of respondents having a negative attitude, despite its economic importance for Ukraine.

How This Affects International Relations

The trust that Ukrainians have towards different countries directly influences the potential for the development of bilateral relations between Ukraine and these countries. For example, countries with high trust ratings, such as the UK and Canada, have a better chance of improving political and economic relations with Ukraine.

Recommendations for Improving Relations

1. Humanitarian support for Ukraine — strengthening moral support from countries, including Israel, can increase trust among the Ukrainian population.
2. Direct dialogue and diplomatic efforts — creating and developing platforms for open communication and exchanging opinions will help eliminate misunderstandings and increase mutual understanding.
3. Publication of clear positions — explaining foreign policies of countries through public diplomacy and historical context, without avoiding controversial topics, can improve perception.

Comparative Table of Country Perceptions

Europe and North America

United Kingdom — 77.2% positive perception, 8.6% negative. Canada — 76.3% positive perception, 2.8% negative. Sweden — 70.3% positive perception, 1.9% negative. Netherlands — 70.5% positive perception, 2.2% negative. France — 74.0% positive perception, 6.2% negative. Germany — 68.8% positive perception, 6.7% negative. Czech Republic — 61.7% positive perception, 3.9% negative. Poland — 62.8% positive perception, 12.9% negative.

Middle East and Central Asia

Turkey — 46.4% positive perception, 12.0% negative. Israel — 42.1% positive perception, 13.8% negative. UAE — 31.6% positive perception, 6.7% negative. Saudi Arabia — 25.2% positive perception, 9.5% negative. Egypt — 17.6% positive perception, 7.1% negative. Qatar — 13.1% positive perception, 6.7% negative. Tunisia — 7.5% positive perception, 12.9% negative. Jordan — 12.5% positive perception, 19.4% negative. Algeria — 8.2% positive perception, 8.8% negative. Kuwait — 8.0% positive perception, 10.1% negative. Yemen — 6.9% positive perception, 17.0% negative. Lebanon — 5.2% positive perception, 19.4% negative. Syria — 7.5% positive perception, 29.5% negative. Palestine — 5.0% positive perception, 37.2% negative. Iraq — 5.8% positive perception, 40.0% negative. Iran — 5.0% positive perception, 60.9% negative.

Central Asia and the Caucasus

Kazakhstan — 45.8% positive perception, 3.9% negative. Georgia — 54.8% positive perception, 14.8% negative. Azerbaijan — 42.4% positive perception, 7.7% negative. Armenia — 38.3% positive perception, 7.9% negative. Uzbekistan — 21.7% positive perception, 9.3% negative. Kyrgyzstan — 21.3% positive perception, 9.5% negative. Tajikistan — 15.5% positive perception, 12.3% negative. Turkmenistan — 16.3% positive perception, 16.4% negative.

Asia-Pacific Region

Japan — 66.0% positive perception, 3.6% negative. Australia — 63.0% positive perception, 2.2% negative. New Zealand — 56.6% positive perception, 1.3% negative. South Korea — 49.7% positive perception, 14.0% negative. Thailand — 36.4% positive perception, 3.2% negative. Singapore — 33.8% positive perception, 2.4% negative. Philippines — 22.2% positive perception, 4.1% negative. Indonesia — 26.7% positive perception, 12.0% negative. Malaysia — 16.6% positive perception, 4.9% negative. Vietnam — 17.4% positive perception, 8.2% negative. Cambodia — 10.7% positive perception, 7.1% negative. Laos — 10.1% positive perception, 7.5% negative. Myanmar (Burma) — 10.5% positive perception, 10.8% negative.

Latin America

China — 6.4% positive perception, 5.8% negative. Argentina — 33.3% positive perception, 12.3% negative. Bolivia — 17.6% positive perception, 9.9% negative. Brazil — 8.8% positive perception, 7.1% negative. Venezuela — 14.6% positive perception, 4.5% negative. Guyana — 6.4% positive perception, 4.3% negative. Colombia — 9.8% positive perception, 9.7% negative. Paraguay — 8.8% positive perception, 6.2% negative. Peru — 9.3% positive perception, 5.2% negative. Suriname — 10.7% positive perception, 4.9% negative. Uruguay — 8.1% positive perception, 4.6% negative. Chile — 8.9% positive perception, 5.3% negative.

The survey was conducted online among 800 respondents, representative by age, gender, and regions. The purpose of the study was to determine which countries enjoy the most trust and sympathy in Ukrainian society.

“This study confirms the general vector of public sentiment in Ukraine, which has intensified since the start of the large-scale war. Ukrainians clearly associate the support received, primarily from European Union countries and the United Kingdom, with a positive attitude toward them,”

— noted Alexander Pozdny, co-founder of Active Group at the press conference at the “Interfax-Ukraine” agency.

NAnews emphasizes that Ukrainians show a positive attitude towards Israel, which creates the potential for further strengthening friendship and cooperation between Ukraine and Israel in the future.