Essence of the Thesis and Its Purpose
Talks about the "division of Ukrainian society" and "betrayal of the elites" are a propaganda myth aimed at sowing doubt and distrust. The goal is to weaken internal unity and citizen mobilization, creating the illusion of instability.
Psychological Mechanisms
The myth operates through learned helplessness and "us vs. them" polarization. Constant repetition in the media, Telegram channels, and bots of the thesis on "elite betrayal" creates a sense of internal breakdown and alienation from state institutions.
Facts: Society is Consolidated
Representative studies refute the myth:
- Surveys by Rating Group show high solidarity, optimism, and pride in the country.
- The social cohesion index reSCORE records a growing sense of civic duty and belonging to Ukraine (2023–2025).
- The Razumkov Center (razumkov.org.ua) notes that 95% of respondents identify as Ukrainians, regardless of language or region.
- Social distance studies demonstrate minimal gaps between regions, language groups, and generations.
Ukrainian society remains one of the most consolidated in Europe under conditions of full-scale war.
Language and Regional Differences — Not a Division
Language and regional distinctions exist but do not lead to conflict. Russian-speaking citizens actively participate in defending the country, and national identity outweighs local differences.
Myth of "Elite Betrayal"
If the elites systematically betrayed the people, trust in the state would be destroyed. In practice:
- Citizens support the army and fulfill their civic duties;
- Criticism of authorities exists but does not escalate into mass alienation;
- Reports from UNDP and World Bank record high social resilience and mobilization.
Real Objectives of the Narrative
- Demoralize the population and undermine trust in institutions;
- Create the illusion of a self-fulfilling prophecy;
- Weaken international support by portraying Ukraine as supposedly "unstable".
True Picture
Despite the war, Ukrainian society demonstrates resilience, self-organization, and solidarity. It is an active and cohesive community capable of overcoming challenges together.
Key Sources and References
About the Authors
This article was curated and verified by a team of experts in international law, human rights, and geopolitical analysis. Contributors have 15+ years of experience in research, legal documentation, and educational content development.
Methodology
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Last modified date: 25/11/2025