Ukrainian Public Opinion on Potential Concessions in the War
Political science professor Oleksiy Haran of the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy has analyzed recent sociological data concerning Ukrainian willingness to make compromises to end the war with Russia. He states that a majority of Ukrainians are not prepared to make concessions, such as withdrawing troops from the Donbas in exchange for peace guarantees. Currently, the level of readiness to endure the war 'for as long as necessary' stands at approximately 70%, though this figure has decreased by 7-9% over the past year.
According to a survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, 62% of Ukrainians expressed readiness to endure the war for as long as needed. Meanwhile, a poll by the Razumkov Centre found that 18.2% of Ukrainians would agree to peace in exchange for Ukraine's neutral and non-nuclear status being enshrined in its Constitution.
'When sociologists clarify what these guarantees might entail—for example, no participation by the U.S. military or restrictions on specific weapons—the share of those who reject such concessions only increases. Ukrainians see that such guarantees are, in reality, weak.'
Oleksiy Haran
He also noted that the war is now in its fifth year. 'This is already longer than the United States fought in the Second World War. What would it be like for you in the fifth year of such an intense war?' Haran asks. These findings highlight the difficult choices and immense strain facing Ukrainians amid a protracted conflict that has fundamentally reshaped their society.
Resolve and Societal Strain
The current situation reflects a public mood that, despite the war's duration, demonstrates firm resolve on matters of national security. The willingness of Ukrainians to endure hardship underscores their commitment to sovereignty, yet the declining support for making concessions may indicate growing frustration with political solutions. This presents the government with the challenge of formulating adequate responses to the demands of a wartime society and ensuring stability.