Ukrainians' Willingness to Trade Land for Peace

A recent poll conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology reveals a significant shift in Ukrainian public opinion regarding territorial concessions to Russia amid the ongoing conflict. The survey, which included 1,067 respondents from Ukrainian-held territories, found that 32% of Ukrainians would accept some form of territorial concessions for a swift end to the war. This marks a dramatic increase from just 10% a year ago and 19% at the end of 2022. Despite this shift, a majority of 55% still oppose any land concessions. The poll comes nearly 29 months after Russia's full-scale invasion, during which it has occupied approximately 18% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, which was annexed in 2014. Ukrainian forces have faced challenges this year, struggling against a renewed Russian offensive after a counteroffensive last year yielded limited success. The survey did not specify what types of territorial concessions respondents might consider or their potential size. Interestingly, the KIIS noted that many respondents do not equate concessions with recognizing the territories as Russian. Some individuals expressed a willingness to delay the liberation of certain areas until a more favorable time. Despite the growing acceptance of concessions, KIIS's executive director, Anton Hrushetskyi, emphasized that Ukrainians remain opposed to achieving peace at any cost, underscoring a strong desire for a resolution that does not compromise national integrity.