Business news from Ukraine

Business news from Ukraine

Georgia and Azerbaijan Have Highest Positive Ratings Among Ukrainians in Region — Experts Club

Georgia has the highest balance of positive and negative attitudes among Ukrainians among the countries of the Caucasus and Central Asia included in the study—48.5 percentage points. Azerbaijan scored 40.1 percentage points, while Uzbekistan’s score was 11.1 percentage points. These findings come from the third wave of the study “Ukrainians’ Attitudes Toward Countries Around the World,” conducted by Active Group in collaboration with Experts Club, according to the Experts Club Information and Analytical Center.

57.3% of Ukrainians surveyed view Georgia positively, 32.1% neutrally, 8.8% negatively, and another 1.8% were undecided. The balance of positive and negative assessments stands at 48.5 percentage points and has gradually increased over the three waves of the survey: from 45.6 percentage points in August 2025 to 47.5 percentage points in March 2026 and 48.5 percentage points in August of this year. The current figures for positive attitudes and the balance are confirmed by the published survey data.

A positive attitude toward Azerbaijan was expressed by 48.7% of respondents, a neutral one by 39.5%, a negative one by 8.6%, and another 3.1% chose the “difficult to answer” option. The balance stands at 40.1 percentage points. Compared to March 2026, it has risen from 37.8 percentage points, but remains lower than the August 2025 level of 51 percentage points. In terms of the share of positive assessments, Azerbaijan ranks second in this regional group after Georgia.

Attitudes toward Uzbekistan are characterized primarily by a high proportion of neutral assessments. 25.6% of respondents view the country positively, 55.6% neutrally, 14.5% negatively, and another 4.3% are undecided. The balance between positive and negative responses is 11.1 percentage points. In the study’s analytical materials, the high proportion of neutral responses is noted as a characteristic feature of perceptions of countries in the region that receive less media attention from the Ukrainian audience.

Thus, the balance remains positive for all three countries surveyed, but the structure of the assessments differs significantly. In the case of Georgia, the overwhelming majority of respondents express a positive attitude; positive assessments also prevail regarding Azerbaijan, while a neutral stance dominates in assessments of Uzbekistan.

Maksym Urakin, founder of the Experts Club Information and Analytical Center, deputy director of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency, and candidate of economic sciences, emphasized the importance of systematic communication between foreign partners and Ukrainian society.

“Second, we must be open to questions and inquiries from the media and the public. We also need to make use of our sociological data,” Urakin noted. According to him, it is important for embassies to regularly inform the Ukrainian audience about specific results of cooperation and to maintain full-fledged communication in the Ukrainian language.

Oleksandr Pozniy, director of the research company Active Group, drew attention to the need to develop the practical component of international economic cooperation.

“We should focus not only on raising general awareness. We need to expand cooperation with countries where we can achieve a positive trade balance,” Pozniy noted. He also highlighted the role of business associations, the Ministry of Economy, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in developing bilateral relations.

The survey was conducted in August 2026 using self-administered online questionnaires via the SunFlowerSociology panel. A total of 800 Ukrainian citizens aged 18 and older were surveyed. According to the organizers, the sample is representative in terms of age, gender, and region, and the maximum theoretical margin of error for indicators at the 50% confidence level is ±3.5 percentage points. This is the third wave of the survey, following surveys conducted in August 2025 and March 2026.

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Czech Republic and Moldova Have Highest Net Sentiment Among Ukrainians Among Central and Eastern European Countries — Study

The Czech Republic and Moldova have the highest net sentiment—the balance of positive and negative attitudes—among Ukrainians among the Central and Eastern European countries included in the study—56.2 and 48.2 percentage points, respectively. At the same time, the balance of attitudes toward Poland turned negative in August 2026, while assessments of Slovakia and Hungary improved significantly compared to previous waves. This is evidenced by the results of the third wave of the study “Ukrainians’ Attitudes Toward Countries Around the World,” conducted by Active Group in collaboration with Experts Club, according to the Experts Club Information and Analytical Center.

The Czech Republic received the highest share of positive assessments in this group—61.3%. 32.1% of respondents have a neutral attitude toward it, 5.1% have a negative attitude, and another 1.6% were undecided. The balance of positive and negative attitudes stands at 56.2 percentage points, compared to 64.4 percentage points in March 2026 and 58.7 percentage points in August 2025.

Regarding Moldova, 55.4% of respondents have a positive attitude, 35.6% are neutral, and 7.2% have a negative attitude. The balance stands at 48.2 percentage points, which is lower than the 54.7 percentage points recorded in March but higher than the 46.6 percentage points recorded in August of last year.

Regarding Romania, 45.2% of respondents expressed a positive attitude, 42.3% were neutral, and 9.8% were negative. The balance fell to 35.4 percentage points from 41.7 percentage points in March. In Bulgaria, positive assessments accounted for 42.7%, neutral ones for 47.6%, and negative ones for 7.4%, with the balance standing at 35.3 percentage points, compared to 51.5 percentage points in March.

Unlike most countries in the group, attitudes toward Slovakia showed a noticeable improvement. It is viewed positively by 40.7% of respondents, negatively by 12.1%, and neutrally by 44.4%. The balance rose to 28.6 percentage points from 16.1 percentage points in March 2026 and just 1.6 percentage points in August 2025.

The sharpest negative trend was recorded regarding Poland. 34.6% of Ukrainians view it positively, 37% negatively, and 25.4% neutrally. As a result, the net balance stands at minus 2.4 percentage points, whereas in March 2026 it was plus 41.7 percentage points, and in August 2025—plus 44 percentage points. The deterioration in attitudes toward Poland was one of the most notable shifts in the third wave of the survey.

Hungary remains in the negative zone: 22.9% of respondents expressed a positive attitude, 35.6% a negative one, and 37.4% a neutral one. At the same time, its balance improved to minus 12.7 percentage points compared to minus 33.6 percentage points in March and minus 39.7 percentage points in August 2025.

Maksym Urakin, founder of the Experts Club Information and Analytical Center, deputy director of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency, and candidate of economic sciences, emphasized that public perception of countries must be analyzed in parallel with Ukraine’s actual economic ties.

“That is why it is very important for us to analyze our main partners. The first recommendation is to regularly showcase concrete projects, specific actions, and the presence here of foundations, embassies, teams, and diplomats in the humanitarian sphere and in science. We also need to use our sociological data to draw conclusions and strengthen our relations, particularly trade relations,” Urakin noted.

Oleksandr Pozniy, director of the research firm Active Group, highlighted the practical significance of the study’s findings for economic and diplomatic policy.

“We should focus on developing more than just general awareness. First and foremost, business associations, the Ministry of Economy, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs need to work to develop bilateral relations and improve the balance of trade. We must expand cooperation with countries where we can achieve a positive trade balance,” Pozniy noted.

The survey was conducted in August 2026 using self-administered online questionnaires in the SunFlowerSociology panel among 800 Ukrainian citizens aged 18 and older. According to the organizers, the sample is representative by age, gender, and region, with a maximum theoretical margin of error of 3.5%. This is the third wave of the study, following surveys conducted in August 2025 and March 2026.

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Ukrainians’ attitude toward Canada remains one of most positive among all countries surveyed

Canada is among the group of countries that consistently enjoy a high level of positive perception within Ukrainian society. According to the survey results, 76.2% of respondents describe their attitude toward Canada as positive. Specifically, 39.4% of Ukrainians indicated a “completely positive” attitude, while another 36.8% described it as “mostly positive.” This distribution of responses indicates not only broad support but also a deeply entrenched positive image of the country.

At the same time, the level of negative perception of Canada is minimal—only 2.3% (1.4% “mostly negative” and 0.9% “completely negative”). This is one of the lowest figures among all countries included in the study. This result confirms that negative assessments are isolated and do not significantly influence overall perception.

The share of neutral responses is 20.3%, which is a moderate figure. This means that while most Ukrainians have already formed a positive attitude toward Canada, a certain portion of respondents lack sufficient personal experience or information to make a clear assessment. At the same time, only 1.2% of respondents were unable to decide on an answer, which further underscores the high level of certainty in public opinion regarding this country.

Overall, Canada demonstrates one of the most balanced and positive perception profiles: the combination of a high share of “fully positive” assessments with virtually no negativity forms a solid reputation capital. This indicates that the country’s image in Ukraine is based not only on general perceptions but also on a systematic view of Canada as a reliable partner.

“Canada is among those countries toward which Ukrainians have formed not just a positive, but a consistently positive attitude. This is the result of long-term interaction, support, and presence in the Ukrainian information space. In such cases, even neutral responses do not blur the overall picture, but only underscore its consistency,” noted Oleksandr Pozniy, director of the research company Active Group.

Thus, Canada ranks among the top countries with the highest level of trust in Ukrainian society. The combination of high positive perception and minimal negativity creates a foundation for further strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of politics, the economy, and humanitarian cooperation.

According to a study conducted by the Experts Club information and analytical center based on data from the State Customs Service, Canada ranks 41st in total trade volume of goods with Ukraine, with a figure of $416.2 million.

Imports of Canadian goods are twice as high as Ukrainian exports, resulting in a trade deficit of $139.9 million.

The study was presented at the Interfax-Ukraine press center; the video can be viewed on the agency’s YouTube channel. The full version of the study can be found at this link on the Experts Club analytical center’s website.

 

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Ukrainians’ attitudes toward Brazil are gradually improving, but remain largely neutral

According to the results of a public opinion poll conducted in March 2026 by the research company Active Group in collaboration with the Experts Club information and analytical center, perceptions of Brazil in Ukrainian society show moderately positive trends, although a high level of neutrality remains the key characteristic. Most Ukrainians do not have a clearly formed attitude toward this country, but the share of positive assessments is gradually increasing.

Overall, the positive attitude toward Brazil stands at 29.4%, which is a noticeable increase compared to August 2025 (24.3%). At the same time, 9.8% of respondents chose the “completely positive” option, and another 19.6% selected “mostly positive.” This trend indicates a gradual strengthening of the country’s positive image, although it remains relatively moderate.

At the same time, negative assessments have decreased—from 12.3% to 8.4%. Within the structure of negative perceptions, 7.7% fall under the “mostly negative” category and only 0.7% under “completely negative.” This means that critical perceptions of Brazil in Ukraine are diminishing and are not systemic in nature.

Most telling is the high level of neutrality—58.7% of respondents. This indicates that for most Ukrainians, Brazil remains a country that does not occupy a significant place on the informational or political agenda. The absence of active interaction or regular information flows shapes precisely this model of perception.

Additionally, 3.5% of respondents were unable to determine their position. Combined with neutral assessments, this creates a significant segment of “undecided attitudes,” which could potentially change depending on the development of bilateral relations or the country’s media presence.

From a dynamic perspective, Brazil shows a positive trend: an increase in the share of positive assessments is accompanied by a simultaneous decrease in negative ones. This indicates a gradual improvement in the country’s image in Ukraine, although it is occurring against a backdrop of general inertia in neutral perception.

Overall, Brazil remains a “peripheral” country for Ukrainians in terms of emotional perception, yet with potential for further improvement of its image. The high proportion of neutral assessments means that future changes in perception will largely depend on the level of economic, diplomatic, and informational interaction between the two countries.

According to a study conducted by the Experts Club information and analytical center based on data from the State Customs Service, Brazil ranks 50th in total trade volume of goods with Ukraine, with a figure of $335.6 million. At the same time, imports from Brazil are nearly four times higher than Ukrainian exports, resulting in a bilateral trade deficit of $193.5 million.

The study was presented at the Interfax-Ukraine press center; the video can be viewed on the agency’s YouTube channel. The full version of the study can be found at this link on the Experts Club analytical center’s website.

 

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Ukrainians’ attitudes toward Mexico remain largely neutral, with gradual increase in positive assessments

According to the results of a sociological survey conducted in March 2026 by the research company Active Group in collaboration with the Experts Club information and analytical center, perceptions of Mexico in Ukrainian society are characterized by a high level of neutrality and a relatively moderate share of both positive and negative assessments. At the same time, the trend shows a gradual increase in positive attitudes and a simultaneous decrease in negative ones, indicating a cautious normalization of the country’s image.

The total share of positive attitudes toward Mexico stands at 21.5%, of which 5.4% of respondents chose the option “completely positive,” and another 16.1% selected “mostly positive.” Compared to August 2025, this figure has increased (from 19.7% to 21.4%), indicating a gradual strengthening of positive perceptions, although they remain relatively limited.

Negative assessments, conversely, show a decline—from 10.0% to 8.6%. Within the structure of negative attitudes, 7.7% fall into the “mostly negative” category and only 0.9% into the “completely negative” category. This means that while a critical perception of Mexico exists, it is not dominant and is rather moderate in nature.

Neutrality remains the key characteristic of Ukrainians’ attitudes toward Mexico—66.2% of respondents chose this option. Such a high figure indicates the absence of a clearly formed image of the country in the public consciousness. For most respondents, Mexico is neither an important political partner nor a country with distinct emotional significance.

Additionally, 3.7% of respondents were unable to decide on their assessment, which, together with the high proportion of neutral responses, forms a significant segment of “undetermined attitudes.” This means that perceptions of Mexico depend to a large extent on the level of awareness and the country’s presence in the Ukrainian information space.

From a dynamic perspective, the situation appears moderately positive: the increase in positive assessments is accompanied by a simultaneous decrease in negative ones. This may indicate the gradual formation of a more favorable, albeit still weakly expressed, image of the country.

Ultimately, Mexico remains a country with a predominantly neutral perception among Ukrainians, but with a trend toward a slow improvement in its image. The high proportion of neutral assessments creates significant potential for future changes, which will depend on the development of economic, cultural, and informational ties between the countries.

According to a study conducted by the Experts Club information and analytical center based on data from the State Customs Service, Mexico ranks 49th in total trade volume with Ukraine, which amounts to $350.0 million. At the same time, imports of Mexican goods exceed Ukrainian exports by more than seven times, resulting in a trade deficit of $264.7 million.

The study was presented at the Interfax-Ukraine press center; the video can be viewed on the agency’s YouTube channel. The full version of the study can be found at this link on the Experts Club analytical center’s website.

 

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Ukrainians’ attitudes toward Bangladesh remain largely neutral, with moderate increase in polarization

The results of a survey conducted in March 2026 by the research company Active Group in collaboration with the Experts Club information and analytical center showed that perceptions of Bangladesh in Ukrainian society are characterized by a predominance of neutral assessments and a relatively low level of both positive and negative attitudes. At the same time, compared to the previous survey, there has been a gradual increase in both positive and negative assessments, indicating a certain intensification of perceptions of this country.

The overall share of positive attitudes stands at 13.0% (specifically, 4.4% “completely positive” and 8.6% “mostly positive”). This is a relatively low figure, indicating a limited level of emotional engagement among Ukrainians regarding Bangladesh. At the same time, the trend shows an increase in positive attitudes—from 9.7% to 13.1%—which may indicate a gradual expansion of the country’s informational or economic presence in Ukrainian perceptions.

Negative assessments also show an increase—from 7.7% to 9.6%. In terms of composition, they consist of 7.7% “mostly negative” and 1.9% “completely negative” attitudes. Although these figures remain relatively low, their trend indicates the emergence of a more defined, albeit still limited, negative backdrop.

At the same time, a key characteristic of attitudes toward Bangladesh is the high level of neutrality—71.6%. This is one of the highest figures among the countries surveyed, indicating low awareness or a lack of clear associations. In practical terms, this means that for most Ukrainians, Bangladesh is not a country associated with significant political, economic, or cultural reference points.

Additionally, 5.8% of respondents were undecided, which, combined with the high proportion of neutral assessments, forms a significant segment of “undetermined perception.” This creates potential for future changes—both toward strengthening a positive image and toward an increase in critical attitudes, depending on the informational context.

In summary, Bangladesh remains a country with a minimally established image in the perception of Ukrainians. Despite a slight increase in both positive and negative assessments, neutrality is the defining factor. This means that the further evolution of attitudes will depend primarily on the country’s level of presence in the Ukrainian information space and the development of bilateral contacts.

According to a study conducted by the Experts Club information and analytical center based on data from the State Customs Service, Bangladesh ranks 48th in total trade volume with Ukraine, with a figure of $355.8 million. The bilateral trade balance is relatively close to equilibrium, but imports still slightly exceed exports, resulting in a small trade deficit of $26.9 million.

The study was presented at the Interfax-Ukraine press center; the video can be viewed on the agency’s YouTube channel. The full version of the study can be found at this link on the Experts Club analytical center’s website.

 

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