**Kyiv, Ukraine** – As the protracted conflict with Russia nears its fourth year, a significant majority of Ukrainians remain resolute in their refusal to accept peace terms that entail territorial concessions or substantial military limitations without ironclad security assurances. A recent poll conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) reveals a nation largely prepared for continued resistance, even as trust in key Western allies appears to have eroded.
The survey, undertaken between late November and mid-December, polled 547 individuals across Ukrainian-controlled territory. Its findings underscore a deeply ingrained national sentiment that eschews any settlement that would cede sovereignty, particularly concerning the contested eastern Donbas region, or cripple their defence capabilities without unambiguous, legally binding guarantees of future security. A staggering 75% of respondents deemed a Russia-aligned peace proposal, which might involve surrendering land or capping the size of their armed forces, as "entirely unacceptable" in the absence of such safeguards. This sentiment highlights a palpable apprehension that any such compromises would merely pave the way for future aggression.
While a staunch majority, 63%, expressed a readiness to prolong the fight, the poll also indicated a degree of pragmatism. A substantial 72% of Ukrainians indicated they would consider a peace agreement that resulted in a cessation of hostilities along the current front lines, provided it included some reciprocal compromises. This suggests a willingness to explore avenues for de-escalation, but only under conditions that do not compromise national integrity or future safety. The bleak outlook for an imminent resolution is further underscored by the fact that a mere 9% of those surveyed anticipate the war concluding by early 2026.
These findings emerge against a backdrop of mounting international pressure for a swift resolution. Notably, former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly advocated for a rapid peace settlement, and Washington has reportedly been urging Ukraine to explore avenues for a negotiated end to the hostilities. However, the KIIS poll points to a discernible decline in Ukrainian confidence towards their principal international partners. Trust in Washington has plummeted, falling to 21% from 41% in December of the preceding year. Similarly, confidence in NATO has seen a dip, decreasing from 43% to 34% over the same period.
This erosion of trust is a critical factor, as it directly impacts the perceived viability of any peace plan that relies on external security commitments. Anton Hrushetskyi, executive director of KIIS, articulated this sentiment, stating, "If security guarantees are not unambiguous and binding… Ukrainians will not trust them, and this will affect the general readiness to approve the corresponding peace plan." President Volodymyr Zelenskyy himself acknowledged the complexities surrounding security alliances, recently indicating that Ukraine might reconsider its aspirations to join NATO in exchange for concrete security guarantees.
The implications of this public opinion are significant. They suggest that external pressures for concessions will likely encounter formidable internal resistance from a populace deeply scarred by invasion and wary of future vulnerability. The declining trust in Western assurances may also complicate diplomatic efforts, potentially necessitating the development of novel and robust security frameworks that can garner widespread Ukrainian endorsement. Ultimately, the surveyed populace appears to favour continued defence over a peace perceived as a capitulation, underscoring the enduring resilience and determination of Ukraine in the face of relentless aggression.