According to a new survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), nearly half of Ukrainians with a positive outlook view the signing of the agreement on subsoil resource development with the United States of America favorably
Specifically, 47% of respondents express predominantly positive expectations regarding this treaty, indicating a growing level of trust and optimism about cooperation in the resource sector with one of the world's most powerful states. Data published in early May show that the proportion of those who see future developments as advantageous for Ukraine exceeds those anticipating adverse consequences. Thus, 22% of respondents hold mainly negative attitudes toward the agreement, fearing, among other things, potential risks to the economy and sovereignty. Another 19% indicated that this agreement would not change Ukraine's situation in any way. Meanwhile, 12% of Ukrainians found it difficult to express a clear position, highlighting some uncertainty or a lack of sufficient information regarding the possible consequences of this cooperation. Combining all responses, it can be noted that the balance of positive and negative expectations results in a favorable net outlook of +25%. This means that currently, most Ukrainians perceive the signed agreement as one whose potential benefits outweigh possible risks. Regional dynamics are particularly interesting: in the east and west of the country, the level of positive sentiments is slightly lower than in central regions, but even there, the share of those expecting negative outcomes remains below a quarter of the respondents. In all regions, the overall balance of expectations remains positive, indicating a stable level of trust in the government's course on this issue despite some local variations. Regarding the methodology, the survey was conducted via telephone from May 2 among adult residents of Ukraine living in territories controlled by the government. It is important to note that questions about perceptions of this agreement included special questions about anticipated consequences, allowing for a more objective analysis of public opinion. By May 6, 561 respondents had been surveyed, providing a fairly reliable base for initial conclusions, considering a statistical margin of error of 5.4% and a design effect of 1.3%. Based on KIIS experience, the survey roadmap envisages continuation until mid-May 2025, which will help refine and confirm these initial findings. The background of this process includes the signing on May 1 by Ukrainian Minister of Economy Yulia Sviridenko and the American Secretary of Finance of an agreement on joint work in the field of mineral resource development. The following day, May 2, the Ukrainian government submitted to the Verkhovna Rada a draft law on ratification of the U.S.-Ukraine treaty, which provides for the creation of an investment fund for the country's recovery. On the same day, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal expressed confidence that parliamentarians would support this treaty by May 8, a crucial step in implementing strategic agreements with the United States. For a deeper understanding, it is advisable to explore the analysis: **"Minerals in exchange for weapons: what is included in the Ukraine-U.S. agreement and what risks remain."** This will help clarify which resources and cooperation mechanisms are specified in the documents and how this strategy might influence the country's further development. Thus, currently, the Ukrainian civil sector demonstrates quite a positive attitude toward prospects for cooperation with the U.S. in the field of subsoil resources, while remaining cautious about potential risks. Key legislative steps and further public information efforts will play a vital role in shaping a comprehensive picture of this significant agreement.