Half of Ukrainians support quick, negotiated end to war with Russia
Ukrainian serviceman of the 24th Mechanized Brigade fires a 2s5 152 mm self-propelled howitzer towards Russian positions at an undisclosed location near Chasiv Yar in Donetsk region, Ukraine, Nov. 18, 2024, (AFP Photo)
Gallup’s 2024 survey found that 52% of Ukrainians support a negotiated end to the war with Russia, a significant shift from early 2022 when 73% supported fighting until victory. Currently, 38% of Ukrainians still favor continuing the conflict.
War fatigue deepens across all regions
Support for continuing the war has dropped below 50% in all regions of Ukraine in 2024, with the most notable declines in Kyiv and western regions. In eastern Ukraine, 63% now favor a quick peace deal, while only 27% support continued fighting.
Ukrainians are open to territorial concessions
Among those who favor peace negotiations, 52% are open to territorial concessions as part of a deal to end the war. However, even among those who support continuing the fight, the definition of “victory” has shifted, with fewer insisting on reclaiming all lost territories, including Crimea.
EU and UK preferred as negotiators over US
Ukrainians favor the E.U. (70%) and the U.K. (63%) as key mediators in peace negotiations, while the U.S. is less preferred, regardless of potential leadership by Kamala Harris or Donald Trump.
The survey revealed that 43% saw Türkiye, as playing a significant role in potential peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
Changing political realities add uncertainty
Russia‘s recent military gains, Ukraine’s incursion into the Kursk region, and mixed reactions from Western allies to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s “victory plan” have complicated the war’s trajectory.
Further uncertainty arises from the upcoming U.S. presidential transition, with President-elect Trump signaling a focus on ending the conflict quickly.
