Growing divide: Ukrainians weigh peace against territorial loss

According to the latest survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KMIS), the number of Ukrainians willing to make territorial concessions to end the conflict with Russia is growing. Despite this, most respondents still strongly reject such solutions.

Research conducted by KMIS indicates that the percentage of people willing to make concessions increased from 32 per cent in October 2024 to 38 per cent in December of the same year.

At the same time, the percentage of those who categorically oppose any concessions has decreased. Despite all the difficult circumstances, in December, 51 per cent of Ukrainians were against any territorial concessions (at the beginning of October, it was 58 per cent)–reported the Institute.

The survey was conducted from 2–17 December 2024, using telephone interviews. It involved 2,000 respondents aged 18 and older, residing in areas controlled by Ukraine. The study did not include residents of areas occupied by Russia or people who left the country after the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

The research shows that although the number of people willing to make compromises is growing, those who do not want to give up any territory in exchange for peace still prevail. These results reflect the complicated situation Ukraine is in, trying to find a balance between striving for peace and maintaining territorial integrity.

In recent months, increasing fatigue among Ukrainians with the war has been observed. Territorial concessions, although controversial, could be a step towards ending hostilities. Zelensky has suggested he would be willing to agree to a ceasefire even if Russia does not return the territories it controls. However, the President has conditioned this on NATO protecting the rest of the country.