Key facts
- 60% of Ukrainians oppose territorial concessions in the Donbas region to Russia.
- An equal share of Ukrainians would support freezing the war along current front lines in exchange for security guarantees.
- 33% of respondents indicated a willingness to cede territory in eastern Ukraine.
- 59% of respondents would support a war freeze arrangement with substantial funding and weapons supplies.
- A majority of Ukrainians do not anticipate the war concluding in the near future.
A recent poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) indicates a divided public opinion in Ukraine regarding the ongoing conflict with Russia. While 60% of Ukrainians are opposed to ceding any territory in the Donbas region, an equal percentage would support freezing the war along the current front lines if it comes with substantial security guarantees, such as significant funding and weapons supplies.
The poll was conducted amidst stalled peace talks and continued Russian military actions, which have led to increased civilian casualties due to air defense missile shortages. The survey found that 33% of respondents are willing to give up territory in eastern Ukraine, though most consider this a difficult concession, with an additional 7% undecided.
Regarding a potential war freeze, 59% of respondents expressed willingness to support such an arrangement in exchange for security guarantees, although many did so reluctantly, with 31% strongly opposing the idea. The majority of Ukrainians do not foresee an imminent end to the war, with 45% expecting it to continue until at least the latter half of 2027. The willingness of Ukrainians to endure the war for as long as necessary has also increased to 61%.
The poll, conducted between July 20 and August 3, surveyed 974 respondents aged 18 and older residing in Ukrainian-controlled territory.