The Impact of Russian Aggression On Ties Between Ukrainians and Russians

Abstract

This study deals with the profound changes in the relationship between Ukrainians and Russians after the aggression of 2014 and the full-scale invasion of 2022. The goal is to outline the dynamics of Ukrainian-Russian relations and provide a deep context for politicians and academics who ponder the issue of reconciliation. The article presents the results of an anonymous online survey conducted by a group of Ukrainian researchers among citizens of Ukraine from May 1 to May 31, 2023. 1088 respondents were covered. The survey covered the dynamics of contacts between citizens of Ukraine and the Russian Federation before 2014, in the period 2014-2022 and the period after the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022; the quality and content of such contacts; views of Ukrainians on the prospects of reconciliation, terms and prerequisites for its beginning; attitude to the myths that frame Ukrainian-Russian relations regarding states and nations. The obtained results are compared with the results of representative surveys that were previously conducted in Ukraine and Russia to track the attitudes of citizens of both countries. The research was conducted on a volunteer basis. The study showed that before the war, almost half of Ukrainians had contacts with Russians. After the invasion, many Ukrainians tried to cooperate with the Russians to counter the propaganda, but only a small number of Russians openly condemned the war. Only 5% of those polled expect reconciliation within the next decade, most believe it is impossible. The respondents consider gestures of repentance and significant socio-political changes in Russia to be the basis of real reconciliation. Thus, efforts to challenge Russian imperial narratives used for disinformation campaigns around the world are critical to deterring Russian aggression.