A majority of Ukrainians now support engaging in peace negotiations with Russia, according to a recent Gallup poll.
The survey, conducted between August and October 2024, revealed that 52% of Ukrainians favor talks to end the war, while 38% believe Ukraine should continue fighting until victory is achieved.
Among those in favor of negotiations, 52% are open to ceding territory for peace. This marks a significant shift in public opinion since the war’s early days. In the months following Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukrainians were largely resolute, with 73% preferring to fight until victory. Support for continued fighting remained strong through 2023, with 63% advocating for it compared to just 27% supporting peace talks. However, this year, fatigue has set in, and for the first time, the majority—52%—are now in favor of negotiating peace.
This shift comes as the war has entered a challenging phase for Ukraine, with Russian forces making steady advances. To support Ukraine, Western countries, including the U.S., have continued to provide increasingly sophisticated weaponry. On November 17, U.S. President Joe Biden authorized the use of long-range ATACMS missiles and approved the delivery of anti-personnel landmines to Ukraine, a controversial move due to international bans on the weapon.
While the landmines in question are designed to deactivate themselves after a short period, their use remains contentious, especially given the long-term risks to civilians. Despite this, U.S. officials assure that these mines won’t be used in densely populated areas.
In an address to the European Parliament, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed optimism, stating, “With the right pressure, we can surely push Russia towards a just peace.”
