A recent survey indicates that 71% of Ukrainians do not believe current negotiations will lead to lasting peace, with only 25% expressing optimism about the talks.
The findings from the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) reveal that skepticism has remained consistent since the beginning of 2026. The survey highlights several reasons for the prevailing doubts among respondents.
- 52% of those skeptical cite a lack of trust in Russia, noting no signs that it is willing to cease hostilities.
- 14% mention the prolonged nature of the negotiations without tangible results.
- 10% believe the Ukrainian government is not doing enough to secure peace.
- 10% express doubts about Western support.
According to Anton Grushetsky, the executive director of KIIS, the primary concern is the distrust towards Russia, which is perceived as openly aiming to destroy Ukraine. He also pointed out a significant crisis of confidence in Western partners, particularly the United States.
Grushetsky noted that for many Ukrainians, peace would be meaningless if it comes at any cost; they are seeking reliable and concrete security guarantees.
This skepticism is closely linked to a broader decline in trust towards Ukraine’s partners. As of early January 2026, only 18% of Ukrainians expressed trust in the United States, a sharp decline from 41% in December 2024.
Furthermore, 52% of respondents reported a lack of trust in the U.S., compared to 24% a year earlier. NATO has also seen a drop in confidence, with only 30% of Ukrainians expressing trust, down from 43% in December 2024, while distrust rose to 43% from 25%.
A survey reveals that a significant majority of Ukrainians are skeptical about the effectiveness of ongoing peace negotiations, citing distrust in Russia and declining confidence in Western allies as key factors. The data reflects a broader trend of waning trust among the Ukrainian populace towards international partners.