Ukrainians largely do not support the military using its authority to influence electoral processes, indicating a clear public demand to keep the army out of political struggles, particularly electoral ones. This is evidenced by the results of a study conducted by Active Group.
According to the data presented, the actions by the military that received the most support among acceptable activities were calls for politicians to make decisions in the field of defense (30.2%), publicly expressing a position on draft legislation (15.1%), and establishing veterans’ and civic organizations (14.9%). At the same time, the use of military authority to influence electoral sentiment has the lowest rating—a balance of minus 15.9%, which is the worst result among all options.
Other forms of direct political influence are also viewed negatively, including participation in shaping political decisions (–0.7%), commenting on political processes (–0.7%), and making statements regarding Ukraine’s international policy (–2.6%).
“We see a very clear stance from society: the military can be an authority on defense matters, but this authority should not be carried over into electoral processes. Any attempts to influence electoral sentiment are viewed negatively and effectively delegitimize such involvement. This is an important signal to political actors regarding the limits of acceptable communication with the military,” noted Active Group Director Oleksandr Pozniy.
At the same time, more than half of Ukrainians believe that the military should remain outside of politics during wartime, which indicates society’s demand to preserve the army’s professional role until Victory is achieved.
According to the presented results, 23.1% of respondents unequivocally support the military’s apolitical stance, while another 27.3% tend to support it (50.4% in total). At the same time, 37.6% allow for their participation in politics (23.1% – somewhat opposed, 14.5% – strongly opposed), while another 12% are undecided.
Thus, the prevailing view is that until the war ends, the military should remain focused on performing their immediate duties rather than participating in political processes.
“These results show a clear public demand that the military remain outside of politics until the war ends and concentrate on their key tasks. At the same time, a certain portion of citizens accepts their role in future political processes, but only after Victory,” noted Active Group founder Andriy Yeremenko.
