According to a new survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), the majority of Ukrainians are still categorically against any territorial concessions in the war with Russia. However, the share of those who adhere to this position is gradually decreasing.
The main conclusions of the survey
- 51% of Ukrainians are convinced that Ukraine should not give up any of its territory under any conditions.
- However, this indicator is gradually decreasing, which may indicate growing fatigue from war or a desire for compromise.
- There are more supporters of continuing the struggle in the west of Ukraine than in the east, but regional differences remain insignificant.
What do Ukrainians think about different peace terms?
KMIS offered respondents several scenarios:
- Option 1: Russia retains control over the occupied territories, Ukraine refuses to join NATO, but becomes a member of the EU and receives funds for reconstruction.
- 47% of respondents consider this option unacceptable.
- Option 2: Russia retains control over the territories, but Ukraine becomes a member of NATO and the EU.
- 64% of Ukrainians support this scenario, which shows a significant increase in support compared to June, when only 47% approved this option.
- Only 21% spoke against it.
- Option 3: Russia retains control over Donbas and Crimea, but returns Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. Ukraine joins NATO and the EU.
Public opinion on this option remains mixed, but support for joining NATO has become a key factor.
Why is support for NATO growing?
The vast majority (64%) of Ukrainians are in favor of joining NATO, even if it involves concessions on part of the territories. The increase in support can be explained by:
- Security guarantees provided by NATO.
- Disappointment in the prospects of an exclusively diplomatic settlement.
- Increasing awareness of the importance of international support in the war.
The growing support for scenarios that include joining NATO indicates a change in the priorities of Ukrainian society. If earlier the emphasis was on the preservation of all territories, now security guarantees and Euro-Atlantic integration are becoming the main ones.
However, the majority of Ukrainians are still not ready to cede territories for the sake of peace. This testifies to the stability and desire to preserve the sovereignty of the country even in the difficult conditions of war.
