Despite ongoing debates around language, sociological data show a growing share of people who prefer Ukrainian in their everyday lives. According to a Gradus Research survey, in April 2022, 53% of Ukrainians spoke Ukrainian at home, while by August 2025 that figure had risen to 68%. Meanwhile, the share of Russian speakers declined from 46% to 30%.
Researchers note that this is not an instant shift, but the trend remains steady. Choosing Ukrainian increasingly becomes a natural practice within families, even if people continue to use other languages outside their homes.
Sociologists also highlight another detail: those who consciously switch to Ukrainian rarely make it public. They remain less visible in the public sphere, yet their choices gradually shape a new linguistic reality. Experts emphasize that such language shifts matter not only in culture or education but also for national security.
The survey was conducted by Gradus Research through self-completed questionnaires in the Gradus mobile application. The sample represents the population of cities with more than 50,000 residents, aged 18 to 60. Temporarily occupied territories and regions with active hostilities were excluded from the study.
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