Ukraine: View of Other Countries

Proximity rules in Ukrainians' feelings toward other countries, leaving the U.S. low in popularity rankings.

Ukraine: Internet use Low but Growing

Ukrainian internet use, as in other former Soviet republics, is still at modest levels on a national scale despite a bump between 2006 and 2007.

Ukraine: Brisk Growth in Cell Phone Use

About two-thirds of the population say they have access to a cellular phone, a marked rise from 51 percent in 2006 and 39 percent in 2005. 

Ukraine: Print Media Sector Is Making Progress

Print media has the modest ranking as the fourth most popular source for news and information after TV, friends and family, and radio. Still, the Ukrainian print market is rapidly developing and attracting interest from investors who see profit potential-as long as they can achieve economies of scale by owning a number of media outlets.

Public Rumblings about Politics and Economics in Ukraine

As political turmoil continues to swirl in Kyiv, few Ukrainians believe the country has achieved genuine democracy. Skepticism about democratic development also probably reflects that average Ukrainians have seen very little improvement in their own economic conditions since the Orange revolution of 2004.

Ukrainians' Interest in Politics Outshines Neighbors

The country's Orange Revolution sparked a high level of political engagement among citizens, much higher than in many other former Soviet republics. Young Ukrainians show a strong preference for keeping themselves informed about current events.

Declining Ukrainian Public Support for NATO

As Ukraine's politicians cautiously consider membership in NATO, public support for such a move has been eroding steadily. But the prospect of joining the EU gets higher marks from the general public.

Ukrainian Media: Open But Still Not Highly Trusted

Ukrainian media is largely free from the kind of heavy-handed government censorship and control seen prior to the Orange Revolution. Large protests by Ukrainian journalists at the time—as well as moves by several TV and radio channels to broadcast opposition views—helped open up the sector.