Fact Check: According to the same poll, 90% of respondents in Ukraine reported having friends or acquaintances serving in the Ukrainian army as of June 17, 2023.

Fact Check: "According to the same poll, 90% of respondents in Ukraine reported having friends or acquaintances serving in the Ukrainian army as of June 17, 2023."

What We Know

On June 17, 2023, a poll conducted by the NGO Steel Swallow in collaboration with the Zagoriy Foundation and Rating sociological group revealed that 90% of respondents in Ukraine reported having friends or acquaintances serving in the Ukrainian army. This finding was part of a broader study that also indicated 97% of people in Ukraine trust the military on the frontline. The research aimed to analyze the development of civilian-military cooperation in Ukraine and identify barriers to its growth (Kyiv Post).

Analysis

The claim that 90% of respondents in Ukraine have friends or acquaintances in the military is supported by a credible source, namely the poll conducted by Steel Swallow, which is recognized for its sociological research in Ukraine. The methodology of the poll, while not detailed in the available information, is consistent with common practices in sociological polling, suggesting a reasonable level of reliability.

However, it is essential to consider the context in which this data was gathered. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has likely influenced public perceptions and relationships with the military. Given the high levels of trust reported in the same poll—97% trust in frontline soldiers—it is plausible that many Ukrainians have personal connections to military personnel, reflecting the pervasive nature of military service in the country during wartime.

While the source of the poll is credible, it is also important to acknowledge potential biases. The organization conducting the poll may have specific objectives related to promoting civilian-military cooperation, which could influence how questions are framed or interpreted. Nonetheless, the reported figures align with the broader sentiment observed in other studies regarding public trust in the military amidst the ongoing conflict (Kyiv Post).

Conclusion

The claim that 90% of respondents in Ukraine reported having friends or acquaintances serving in the Ukrainian army as of June 17, 2023, is True. This conclusion is based on credible polling data from a recognized sociological group, which reflects the significant impact of the ongoing conflict on personal relationships and public trust in the military.

Sources

1. Prelude to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
2. Get the Latest Ukraine News Today - Kyiv Post
3. Poll: 97% of people in Ukraine trust soldiers on frontline
4. Poll: Over 50% of Ukrainians want to end the war
5. Ukraine Strikes ‘Like a Bolt From the Blue’ in New Kursk Offensive
6. As Ukraine's LGBTQ soldiers fight on the front line ... - NBC News
7. Voices in Europe - EUAA
8. Ukraine - Kyiv Post