Most Ukrainians now want quick end to war – poll
A majority of Ukrainians now favor a rapid end to the ongoing conflict with Russia through peace negotiations, according to a recent survey conducted by Gallup.
In its latest report, on Tuesday, the American pollster reported that 52% of respondents believe Kiev should pursue peace talks to end the war as soon as possible. This marks a substantial rise from 27% in 2023 and just 22% in 2022.
Gallup’s data reflects a major shift in public sentiment as the prolonged fighting takes a toll on Ukrainian society. “The rising number of Ukrainians advocating for a diplomatic resolution suggests growing fatigue with the conflict,” the report noted, adding that domestic concerns are increasingly influencing opinions.
Support for continuing military action until a decisive victory is achieved has been on the decline. In February 2022, 73% of Ukrainians backed continued hostilities. By 2023, that number had fallen to 63%, and it has dropped further, to 38% in 2024. The poll indicates that Ukrainians are reconsidering their positions as the conflict drags on, and their military continues to retreat.
Of those calling for negotiations, 52% say that Kiev should be willing to consider territorial concessions during any potential peace talks. Gallup highlighted this willingness as indicative of shifting priorities amid growing hardships and doubts about future international support, particularly following US President-elect Donald Trump’s recent victory and speculation about possible changes in American foreign policy.
Meanwhile, Moscow has consistently signaled readiness for negotiations. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently reiterated at a Valdai Club meeting that peace talks should be based on the agreements reached in Istanbul in 2022. Those talks proposed a neutral, non-aligned status for Ukraine, alongside restrictions on deploying foreign weaponry.
However, the Kremlin also asserts that any new negotiations must also account for the current situation on the ground, where Moscow’s troops have been advancing.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized last week that Russia’s military campaign continues because Ukrainian officials have rejected dialogue. “The operation in Ukraine is occurring in the context of what we perceive as a broader conflict initiated by Western nations against Russia,” Peskov said.
