Freeze or Liberation? How Ukrainians Expect the War to End
A KIIS poll found that 41% of Ukrainians now consider preserving independence while leaving some territory occupied the most realistic end to the war, up from 33% in February 2025. Another 53% selected scenarios involving the liberation of at least some occupied land.
A Kyiv-based survey reveals that a majority of Ukrainians now view a frozen conflict with some territory still under Russian occupation as the most plausible end to the war, although many still hope for at least partial liberation. According to the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) study, 41% of respondents favor a scenario where Ukraine maintains its independence and statehood but acknowledges territorial losses, compared to 33% in February.
Overall, 53% envision some Ukrainian territory being liberated, down from 60% in February. This shift indicates a gradual move towards more cautious expectations. The survey also shows that 75% of Ukrainians would engage in negotiations with Russia to end the war, while 21% oppose talks. Support for an immediate and complete ceasefire along the current front line, provided Ukraine does not recognize the occupied territories as Russian and maintains its NATO and EU aspirations, stands at 69%, while 22% reject the proposal.
Despite cautious outlooks on territorial gains, 79% of respondents still believe Ukraine will ultimately triumph in the conflict, with 47% certain of victory and 32% expecting a probable outcome. The overall belief in Ukraine's eventual success has decreased from 85% in late July and early August, with complete confidence falling from 60% to 47%. Most respondents (62%) are ready to prolong the war as long as necessary.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
