46% of Ukrainians prioritize NATO membership over EU accession – KIIS survey

This is stated in a survey by KIIS. 

Overall, 90% of respondents support Ukraine's aspirations for European integration, while 84% express a desire for the country to join NATO, reflecting strong support for European and Euro-Atlantic integration among Ukrainians. 

However, when it comes to active participation in referendums, the results show that only 68% of respondents are ready to vote in favor of joining the EU or NATO. 

While the majority support membership in both alliances, the level of trust in them remains moderate. Only 46% of Ukrainians trust the EU, and 43% trust NATO.

"These alliances generally enjoy trust (with a positive trust-to-distrust balance), but not overwhelmingly so, as many Ukrainians hold critical views," KIIS stated. "There are a significant number of Ukrainians who do not fully trust or have doubts about the EU and/or NATO, yet still see Ukraine as a member of these alliances."  

At the same time, the survey shows that more Ukrainians prioritize NATO membership over EU membership, with 46% favoring NATO compared to 22% prioritizing the EU.

"While membership in both alliances is important to the majority of the population, NATO takes priority—likely due to Ukrainians' urgent need for reliable security guarantees," the report states.  

The study is based on data from three KIIS surveys conducted in 2024. All were carried out via telephone interviews and are representative of the adult population in government-controlled territories of Ukraine.

• Former U.S. Special Representative to Ukraine Kurt Volker believes that Kyiv should insist on NATO membership, as it is the best security guarantee.