In a recent poll, 97 percent of Ukrainians said they believe Ukraine will “definitely” or “likely” win the war against Russia.

While accurate data in wartime is often hard to come by, It’s estimated that Russia has launched more than 5,000 missiles, 3,500 airstrikes, and 1,000 drone attacks against Ukraine. This bombardment has turned millions into refugees or displaced them inside their home country, destroyed important physical infrastructure, and even threatened the safety of nuclear power plants.

Moreover, according to the United Nations, at least 8,000 civilians and more than 100,000 Ukrainian troops have been killed. Other sources suggesting the numbers could be much higher. Nearly 18 million people are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. And if that weren’t enough, Ukraine is currently investigating approximately 72,000 potential Russian war crimes—including kidnappings, torture, and rape.

But despite all of that—the relentless destruction, loss of life, and overall hardship, Ukrainians’ determination and morale appear undiminished.

The nonpartisan, nonprofit International Republican Institute has conducted polling in Ukraine for more than twenty years, allowing them to track public opinion by age group and region. In their recent national survey of 2,000 Ukrainians 18 years or older, more than 90 percent believe that the country’s future is “rather promising.” And what’s especially remarkable is that their optimism exists throughout the country—including in the east, which has suffered the heaviest fighting in recent months.

It’s also remarkable that Ukrainian optimism hasn’t wavered: in both April 2022 and February 2023, a full 97 percent of those surveyed, answered “yes” when asked “Do you believe that Ukraine will win the war?” The name of this blog is “Stubborn Things.” President Putin is discovering that the Ukrainian people are pretty stubborn themselves!

This blog was compiled with the assistance of Caroline Moody.