Most Ukrainians remain firmly against giving up any territory to Russia, according to a new survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS). The numbers have stayed largely the same in recent months.
In a poll conducted from May 15 to June 3, 52% of Ukrainians said they are strongly opposed to any territorial concessions to achieve peace. That’s slightly up from 50% in February. Another 38% said they would accept some territorial losses, compared to 39% earlier this year.
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KIIS has been asking this question for three years. The survey does not name specific territories or types of concessions.
When asked about recognizing parts of Ukraine as officially part of Russia, 68% were opposed, while 24% said they would accept this if it involved only some areas. A larger share – 78% – rejected the idea of handing over land currently under Ukrainian control. Just 15% supported that idea.
The only scenario with closer public opinion was about informal recognition of Russia’s control over occupied areas – acknowledging the situation without officially agreeing to it. In that case, 48% were opposed, while 43% said they could accept it.
“Still, when a peace deal includes security guarantees and other key elements, over half of Ukrainians might be willing to accept it, even if not enthusiastically,” KIIS noted.
The data suggests that most Ukrainians would not accept a peace plan that officially gives up Ukrainian territory to Russia or transfers more land under Russian control.
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However, the public may consider unofficial compromises if it helps end the war.
In a separate poll, 60% of Ukrainians said they are ready to endure a long war “for as long as necessary.” Another 6% said they are prepared for the war to last at least another year.
KIIS emphasized that a willingness to negotiate does not mean a willingness to surrender. A large majority – 82 –categorically reject Russia’s plan.
As Kyiv Post reported earlier, Russia’s plan would require not only international recognition of Russian control over Crimea, but also the acceptance of Moscow’s claims over four additional partially occupied regions: Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.
Other Russian demands include the demilitarization and so-called “denazification” of Ukraine, a term Russia uses to justify its invasion.
Moscow’s demands also include the lifting of Western sanctions and arrest warrants against Russian officials, as well as the return of Russian assets frozen overseas.
Moscow is also seeking “reliable security guarantees” against alleged threats from NATO, the EU and their member states, according to Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
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