In the third year of the relentless conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the notion of trading territory for peace remains a deeply contentious and emotionally charged issue among Ukrainians. Despite the immense toll of war, a significant majority of the population resists the idea of ceding land to achieve a ceasefire.

Recent polling by Gradus Research reveals that nearly 75% of Ukrainians oppose any territorial concessions, viewing such actions not as steps toward peace but as incentives for further aggression. This sentiment persists even as public opinion has slightly shifted over time; support for concessions has risen from 10% in May 2022 to 39% in March 2025.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko briefly touched on the possibility of territorial concessions but quickly retracted his statement following public backlash, emphasizing that such concessions contradict national interests.

Internationally, U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration have suggested that acknowledging some territorial losses might be necessary to end the conflict. However, Ukrainian leadership, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, maintains that ceding territory is unconstitutional and undermines Ukraine's sovereignty.

As the war continues with no clear end in sight, the Ukrainian populace remains steadfast in their stance, unwilling to compromise on territorial integrity despite the ongoing hardships.