“More than 70% of Ukrainians oppose recognizing the temporarily occupied territories as part of Russia and reducing the number of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Society considers such concessions in exchange for ending the war unacceptable. This is evidenced by the results of a large-scale survey by the Democratic Initiatives Foundation and the Razumkov Center. Sociologists asked Ukrainians whether they are ready to support certain conditions that are being discussed within the so-called”, — write on: ua.news
More than 70% of Ukrainians oppose recognizing the temporarily occupied territories as part of Russia and reducing the number of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Society considers such concessions in exchange for ending the war unacceptable. This is evidenced by the results of a large-scale survey by the Democratic Initiatives Foundation and the Razumkov Center.
Sociologists asked Ukrainians whether they are ready to support certain conditions that are being discussed within the framework of the so-called “peace initiatives”, in particular those that are connected with the United States. It is about territorial concessions, reduction of the army, distribution of frozen Russian assets and refusal to join NATO. The results of the survey showed that the majority of Ukrainian society is not ready to accept such conditions, even if they are presented as a way to end the war.
Recognition of TOT as part of Russia
The position regarding the territories is the most unambiguous. 76% of surveyed Ukrainians consider it unacceptable to recognize the temporarily occupied territories as part of Russia. Only 13% of respondents are ready to agree to such a condition.
Regional differences are noticeable here, but the general trend persists across the country. The highest level of support for this idea was recorded in the central regions – 22%, as well as in the eastern regions – 21%. In the south, 12% of respondents support it, while in the west, less than 2% support it.
Sociologists point out that even in regions that are closer to the front line or that have undergone occupation, the majority of citizens are not ready to legally accept the loss of territories. “For Ukrainians, the issue of territorial integrity remains fundamental, regardless of the region of residence,” the authors of the study note.
Reduction in the number of the Armed Forces
Another condition that Ukrainians massively reject is the reduction of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to 600,000 soldiers in exchange for an end to the war. 70% of respondents opposed such a proposal, while only 20% supported it.
The regional picture here varies considerably. In the west of the country, only 6% of respondents support the reduction of the army. In the central and eastern regions, this indicator is about 25%. The highest support for the idea was recorded in the south — 53%.
Sociologists associate this with different experiences of war and a sense of security in the regions. At the same time, the national position remains clear: the majority of Ukrainians do not believe in security without a strong army. “Ukrainians perceive the Armed Forces as a guarantee of the state’s survival, not as a bargaining chip,” the survey concluded.
Frozen assets of Russia
The survey also touched on the topic of using frozen Russian assets. Respondents were asked whether they would agree to an option in which a smaller part of these funds goes to the reconstruction of Ukraine, and a larger part goes to cooperation projects between the USA and Russia.
61% of Ukrainians consider this model unacceptable. Only 22% are ready to support it. Sociologists note that Ukrainians expect a fair approach: the assets of the aggressor country should primarily work for the restoration of war-ravaged Ukraine.
Joining NATO
The position regarding NATO remains less unambiguous, but still critical.
51% of respondents consider the demand to abandon Ukraine’s accession to the Alliance unacceptable, while 35% of respondents are ready to agree to such a condition.
Researchers draw attention to the fact that support for joining NATO is decreasing compared to previous years, but the idea of abandoning the course towards the Alliance still does not have the support of the majority of society. “Even in the difficult conditions of the war, Ukrainians are not ready to give up strategic security guarantees,” sociologists note.
In general, the results of the study demonstrate a clear trend: Ukrainians do not accept peace that involves serious concessions to Russia or the weakening of their own state. Despite war fatigue, economic difficulties and prolonged hostilities, society remains determined to maintain territorial integrity, a combat-ready army and a strategic course towards Western security alliances.
The survey was conducted by the “Democratic Initiatives” Foundation and the Razumkov Center as part of a study of public attitudes regarding possible scenarios for the end of the war. The results are accompanied by infographics and regional maps that clearly show the differences in the views of Ukrainians across the country.
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