Ukraine's economic situation has worsened over the past year, according to 74% of polled Ukrainians, 3% believe the situation has improved and 20% are certain it remains the same, according to a poll conducted by the Rating Sociological Group for the International Republican Institute.

Thus, in September 2016, 72% said things in Ukraine were heading in the wrong direction (the figure in June 2016 was 71%); 11% said the country is heading in the right direction (13% in June 2016); and 17% could not answer (15% in June 2016).

When asked in September "how the economic situation in Ukraine has changed over the past 12 months," 40% said it became "much worse" (45% in June 2016), 34% said "slightly worse" (33% in June 2016), 20% said it "remained at the same level" (15% in June 2016), less than 1% said "much better" (the figure was the same in June 2016), 2% said "slightly better" (2% in June 2016); and 3% could not answer (4% in June 2016).

When asked about their family's financial situation, 18% said they "have to save on food," 35% said they have "enough money to buy food but have to save or borrow to buy clothing and footwear," 34% have "enough to buy food and necessary clothing and footwear, but have to save or borrow for things like a good suit, mobile phone or vacuum cleaner," 11% have "enough to buy food, clothing and footwear, but have to save or borrow for expensive things like a washing machine or refrigerator," 1% have "enough to buy food, clothing and footwear, and expensive things but have to save or borrow to buy a car or flat;" 1% could not answer.

Half of the respondents are not expecting the country's economic situation to improve in the coming year. When asked "How Ukraine's economic situation will change over the next 12 months?" 54% said it will get worse (52% in June 2016), 9% said things will improve (9% in June 2016), and 24% expect no change (21% in June 2016); 14% could not answer.

The poll was conducted on September 28 - October 7, 2016 by interviewing the respondents at home. In all 2,400 Ukrainians aged 18 and over were polled.