Kyiv: A new nationwide survey has revealed that an overwhelming share of Ukrainians remain opposed to significant peace concessions in any negotiated settlement to end the war with Russia, highlighting the deep-rooted public resistance to terms perceived as unfavourable to Kyiv. The poll’s findings present a formidable challenge for Ukrainian leaders working under increasing diplomatic pressure to pursue peace talks.
According to the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), around three-quarters of Ukrainians said they would not accept major concessions such as ceding territory or limiting Ukraine’s military capacity in a peace deal without robust security guarantees. The survey also found that approximately 72% of respondents were open to a ceasefire or a deal that simply froze the current frontline, provided it involved careful compromise and protections for Ukraine.
The poll, conducted between late November and mid-December across Ukrainian-controlled regions, showed that public opinion has remained relatively stable even amid intensifying diplomatic discussions. Nearly two-thirds of those surveyed about 63% said they were prepared to continue fighting, while only a small minority approximately 9% expected the war to conclude early next year.
KIIS executive director Anton Hrushetskyi noted that Ukrainians’ reluctance toward major concessions is closely linked to scepticism about the reliability of external security guarantees. Trust in potential backers such as the United States and NATO has reportedly fluctuated, with many Ukrainians reluctant to embrace proposals lacking clear, binding commitments that would protect sovereignty and territorial integrity in the long term.
The poll’s release comes against the backdrop of rising international diplomatic pressure to find a negotiated settlement to the long-running conflict, including renewed discussions involving U.S. and European officials. The Ukrainian government has been engaging in talks with international partners in an effort to balance diplomatic momentum with the public’s strong preference to avoid concessions that could weaken the nation’s position.
While most Ukrainians are resistant to significant concessions, some segments of the population show a degree of openness toward pragmatic compromise if it brings stability and security. Other independent surveys have similarly highlighted a complex public mood, where many Ukrainians support a ceasefire under credible security guarantees but firmly reject plans that would hand over territory or limit defense capabilities.
The latest poll underscores the delicate balance facing President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and his government as they navigate between international expectations for peace negotiations and domestic sentiment deeply rooted in national sovereignty and resistance. With the conflict now in its fourth year, the survey suggests that Ukrainian public opinion will continue to exert significant influence over the shape and pace of any future peace process.