According to a new poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), the majority of Ukrainians still strongly oppose any territorial concessions in the war with Russia. However, the share of those who hold this position is gradually decreasing.
Main findings 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 war fatigue or a desire for compromise.
- There are more supporters of continuing the struggle in western Ukraine than in the east, but regional differences remain insignificant.
What do Ukrainians think about the different terms of peace?
KIIS 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 demonstrates a significant increase in support compared to June, when only 47% approved of this option.
- Only 21% spoke against it.
- Option 3: Russia retains control of Donbas and Crimea, but returns Zaporizhia and Kherson. Ukraine joins NATO and the EU.
Public opinion on this option remains mixed, but support for NATO accession has become a key factor.
Why is support for NATO growing?
The vast majority (64%) of Ukrainians support joining NATO, even if it involves concessions to some territories. The growth 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. While previously the emphasis was on preserving all territories, now security guarantees and Euro-Atlantic integration are becoming the main ones.
However, the majority of Ukrainians are still not ready to give up territories for the sake of peace. This indicates the resilience and desire to preserve the country's sovereignty even in difficult conditions of war.
