The New York Times has published a front-page article highlighting an important trend in Ukrainian public opinion: more and more Ukrainians are expressing a willingness to engage in peace talks with Russia. This shows a significant shift in perceptions of possible ways to end the conflict, from a categorical rejection of any agreements to an openness to compromise in the future.
“Polls and recent statements by the country’s leaders underscore a palpable shift in the conversation about peace talks – from ‘no deal ever’ to ‘possible compromise at some point,’” the publication’s article states.
The newspaper cites a survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, according to which a third of respondents would agree to cede part of Russia's territory to end the war. This is three times more than a year ago.
“More and more people are ready. And the main reason is the unjustified expectations last year, because many people had more hopes,” the publication quotes Anton Hrushetsky, executive director of KIIS.
The newspaper also spoke with a number of Ukrainians who repeat the phrase: "A bad peace is better than a good quarrel.".
