Majority of Ukrainians against giving major concessions to secure peace
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A recent Kyiv International Institute of Sociology poll shows that three-quarters of Ukrainians reject major concessions in any peace deal with Russia, posing a challenge for President Volodymyr Zelenskiy amid U.S. pressure to end the war. While 72% support a deal that freezes the front line with some compromises, 75% consider a Russia-friendly pla, including ceding territory or limiting Ukraine’s military—“completely unacceptable” without clear security guarantees.
Public readiness to fight remains high at 63%, with only 9% expecting the war to end by early 2026. Trust in the U.S. and NATO has dropped sharply to 21% and 34% respectively, reflecting skepticism over security assurances. Zelenskiy has indicated Ukraine could forgo NATO ambitions in exchange for binding guarantees, but many remain wary.
U.S. calls for elections in Ukraine, prohibited under martial law, are also unpopular: just 9% support a vote before the conflict ends.
Zelenskiy’s approval is back at 61% following the dismissal of a top aide and new U.S. pressure. KIIS executive director Anton Hrushetskyi noted that the insistence on elections is seen as an attempt to weaken Ukraine, highlighting the delicate balance Zelenskiy faces between domestic opinion and international demands.
