Results of a new Gradus survey: most Ukrainians do not plan to change their place of residence due to the energy crisis

Despite the coldest winter in several years and constant power outages, Ukrainians are showing a restrained response to everyday difficulties. A new sociological survey shows how the energy situation affects migration sentiments, willingness to move, and plans for the coming months. Learn more about the results of the Gradus study and the key factors shaping Ukrainians' decisions

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Despite difficult weather conditions and regular attacks on energy infrastructure, most Ukrainians do not consider moving to another place as a viable solution. According to a study conducted by Gradus in January 2026, interruptions in electricity, water, and heating supply significantly complicate everyday life, but do not lead to mass migration.

This article presents the key findings of the survey and the factors that influence Ukrainians' decisions.

The current place of residence of most respondents has not changed

The survey results show that 87% of respondents have not changed their place of residence due to the consequences of attacks on energy infrastructure. Even in the face of prolonged power outages and difficult winter conditions, the majority of the population remains in their homes.

At the same time, the study recorded higher mobility in regions that are more frequently affected by energy strikes. In particular, 21% of residents of the Eastern region and 18% of respondents in Kyiv reported a temporary change of residence. However, these figures do not indicate a mass exodus, but rather situational decisions in individual regions.

Nature of internal displacement and intentions to return

Among the 13% of respondents who were forced to temporarily change their place of residence, internal relocation prevails. 60% of them moved within their region, and another 50% moved to another region of Ukraine. Thus, most respondents did not consider relocation to be a permanent step.

Most of those surveyed who had temporarily left said they planned to return to their permanent place of residence once weather conditions improved or the security situation stabilized. At the same time, 16% of residents of the eastern region and 22% of the northern region who had moved did not currently plan to return.

The intention to leave the country remains low

The Gradus survey showed that intentions to migrate abroad in the next six months have not increased. Less than 10% of respondents said they intended to leave Ukraine, which is in line with previous survey waves.

These data indicate that even the intensification of attacks on the energy system has not triggered a new wave of emigration. For most respondents, key decisions about where to live depend not on living conditions, but on security factors.

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Factors that may influence a change in decision

The survey also identified the circumstances under which respondents would be willing to reconsider their decision to remain in their current place of residence. Most often, these circumstances include threats to life and health, the risk of occupation of the region, loss of housing, or a complete lack of basic amenities such as water, heating, and electricity.

In the event of a further deterioration in conditions, 43% of respondents expressed a willingness to change their place of residence. Among the critical thresholds, respondents cited a drop in temperature in the home below 10°C and the absence of electricity, water supply, or sewage for more than 48 hours in a row. At the same time, the issue of security remains a key factor in decision-making.

Preparation of homes and general expectations

The study showed that a significant proportion of respondents had prepared their homes for the winter period in advance by installing additional equipment or having autonomous sources of supply. At the same time, the same proportion of respondents do not have appropriate solutions and are completely dependent on the work of public utilities.

Commenting on the results, Yevheniia Blyzniuk, sociologist and founder of Gradus, noted that even a significant deterioration in the quality of life may cause only part of the population to leave, and usually for a short period. Despite the difficult winter and expectations of a prolonged war, a significant proportion of respondents remain optimistic about Ukraine's future.

The full research report is available on the Gradus website at the link.

The research was conducted by the research company Gradus using a self-administered questionnaire in the Gradus mobile app. Target audience: men and women aged 18–60 living in Ukrainian cities with a population of over 50,000, excluding temporarily occupied territories and areas of active combat operations. Period of conduct: January 22, 2026. Sample size: 1,000 respondents.

Reminder! With regular power outages, inverters have become a necessity for many apartments. However, similar characteristics can hide very different budgets and technical solutions that affect both comfort and safety of use. How to choose an inverter for your apartment and how much it actually costs to connect it — find out at the link.

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