Framing war: The evolution of the social perception of war in Ukraine

This study analyzes the evolution of war perception in Ukrainian society from early 2022 to 2025, tracing its transformation through five distinct psychological and sociopolitical phases. Initially characterized by shock and mass mobilization, social perception evolved into adaptive euphoria, followed by realism about the prolonged nature of the war, war fatigue, and, finally, the routinization of emergency conditions and long-term resistance. The research draws on empirical data from leading Ukrainian sociological research centers to track shifts in public sentiment, strategic expectations, and national identity formation.

The findings reveal that Ukrainian society has demonstrated remarkable psychological adaptability, transitioning from an initial unity-driven response to a more pragmatic endurance mindset. The war has reshaped national identity, reinforcing democratic values, civic engagement, and Ukraine’s European orientation. Comparative analysis with historical defensive and long-term wars, including World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War, highlights both universal patterns of war perception — such as the rally-around-the-flag effect, war fatigue, and national resilience — and the unique dynamics of a 21st-century conflict, shaped by globalized information flows, international aid, and the digital battlefield.

Despite these insights, significant research gaps remain, particularly regarding the role of digital media, comparative perspectives on non-Western conflicts, the long-term impact of war narratives on political culture, and intersectional differences in war perception. Addressing these gaps is crucial for understanding the sustainability of public support, resilience mechanisms, and pathways to conflict resolution in protracted wars. Ultimately, Ukraine’s experience offers valuable insights into the broader sociology of war perception, resilience, and long-term conflict adaptation.