Majority of Ukrainians oppose ceding Donbas for security guarantees, ready to endure war – KIIS poll
An absolute majority (61%) of Ukrainians continue to consider it categorically unacceptable to cede full control of Donbas to the Russian Federation in exchange for security guarantees, while 35% are open to such a concession, according to a survey conducted on October 8–16 by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS).
A majority of Ukrainians, 61%, are opposed to ceding control of Donbas to the Russian Federation for security assurances, according to a poll conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) from October 8-16. Only 35% of respondents would consider such a concession. This opinion has remained consistent compared to a survey conducted late July to early August.
However, there was a slight increase in opposition prior to the U.S.-Russia diesel deal and subsequent pressure on Ukraine, with 57% categorically opposing the cession. Across macro-regions, a majority rejects the proposal to withdraw Ukrainian troops for security guarantees, with the East (primarily Kharkiv region) being the only region where a majority (45%) would approve.
In other regions, including South and Lower Dnipro, 60-66% categorically reject the proposal. Kyiv residents are also opposed at 66%. When asked how long Ukrainians are willing to endure the war, 62% stated "as long as necessary," 4% said one year, 21% said several months to six months, and 13% were undecided. Only 40% expect the war to end by the end of 2027 or later, while 39% expect no definite resolution.
KIIS Executive Director Anton Hrushetsky noted that Ukrainians choose to resist, preferring peace without surrendering, even if it means accepting the risk of future Russian aggression.
Written by urgent.news from Interfax-Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
