Ukraine Amid War: Unity Defies the Myth of Division – article for Wilson center

Ukraine Amid War: Unity Defies the Myth of Division

Publication Date: December 18, 2024

Washington DC, USA – Despite the devastating impact of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukrainian society continues to display extraordinary unity, effectively countering propaganda narratives of an alleged deep societal divide. In a new article for the Wilson Center, Kateryna Odarchenko and Elena Davlikanova explore findings from the study “(Dis)United: Polarization in Ukrainian Society,” conducted by Civic Network OPORA and the Kyiv School of Economics.

Key Findings of the Study:

• Low Levels of Polarization: The study, which surveyed 2,055 respondents, examined potential divisions across various societal groups, including military personnel versus civilians, those who fled Ukraine versus those who stayed, residents of temporarily occupied territories versus unaffected areas, and religious and linguistic groups. The average polarization index across all groups was below 3 on a scale from 1 to 5, indicating low levels of hostility.
• Religious Differences: The greatest social distance was observed between members of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) on one side, and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) on the other. This divide stems largely from the involvement of some UOC-MP clergy in promoting Kremlin propaganda and supporting the invasion.
• Language Relations: Ukrainian-speaking and Russian-speaking populations displayed minimal hostility but harbored mutual biases, fueled by Kremlin propaganda associating Russian speakers with the so-called “Russian World.”
• Impact of Disinformation: The study highlighted a significant gap between actual and perceived polarization levels. Narratives of division, amplified by anonymous Telegram channels and Kremlin-controlled media, have exacerbated the perception of societal fractures.

The authors emphasize that the greatest challenge to Ukraine’s unity lies not in tangible divisions but in the externally imposed belief that division is inevitable.

Quote from the Authors:

“Ukraine has demonstrated an exceptional ability to consolidate in the face of war. Rather than focusing on differences, society must continue to foster trust and actively counter disinformation narratives,” said Kateryna Odarchenko and Elena Davlikanova.

About the Publication:

This analysis was published as part of the Kennan Institute’s ongoing efforts to explore political and cultural dynamics across Eurasia.

For further information or to arrange interviews with the authors, please contact the Wilson Center press office.