Winter without electricity exhausted Ukrainians more than start of full-scale war – survey

Dariia Markova - 30 April, 17:49

A blackout. Stock photo: depositphotos

This year's winter, marked by Russian attacks on the energy system, proved more exhausting for Ukrainians than the beginning of the full-scale invasion. In February, more than half of the population experienced peak emotional strain – the highest level since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source: the results of a monitoring study by the Rating Sociological Group

Details: During the February 2026 survey, 51% of Ukrainians reported emotional exhaustion amid constant power outages. This exceeded the figures recorded at the beginning of the full-scale invasion, when 47% of citizens reported feeling strained.

As the situation in the energy system improved, Ukrainians' emotional state changed significantly. In particular, the share of those experiencing substantial strain fell to 39%.

Almost a quarter of respondents (24%) said they felt calm, while 36% were uncertain about their emotional state.

Residents of the east of Ukraine more often reported experiencing strain.

The Rating Group added that even before the full-scale invasion, Ukrainians' emotional state fluctuated. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, more Ukrainians reported feeling calm (44%) than strained (23%), but by the end of 2020 the latter indicator had increased to 33%.

However, by March 2021 the emotional situation had partially recovered and most respondents again reported feeling calm (43%).

With the start of Russian aggression, the situation deteriorated sharply – nearly 50% of Ukrainians reported exhaustion. In 2023, the situation changed moderately following military successes on the front and the liberation of territories. At that time, one-third of Ukrainians reported feeling strained and one-third calm.

The study was conducted on 5-17 April 2026 using phone interviews and involved 1,000 respondents.

Background: Earlier, another survey showed that about 70% of Ukrainians believe that gender equality exists in hospitals, schools and universities.

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