A recent YouGov poll conducted across seven European countries—France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, and the UK—revealed a sharp decline in public willingness to support Ukraine “until victory” in its ongoing war with Russia. This trend emerges at a pivotal moment for Kyiv as the conflict continues.
Waning Support for Ukrainian Victory
The survey, reported by The Guardian, indicates that support for Ukraine’s outright victory has fallen significantly over the past year. However, some nations still demonstrate relatively high levels of backing. In Sweden, 50% of respondents support continued fighting, followed by 40% in Denmark and 36% in the UK.
Conversely, other countries have seen growing preferences for a negotiated peace. Since last year, support for peace talks has risen to 55% in Italy (up from 45%), 46% in Spain (up from 38%), 43% in France (up from 35%), and 45% in Germany (up from 38%). While enthusiasm for Ukraine’s victory has stabilized in France, Germany, and Sweden, it has declined in other nations.
Changing Attitudes in Poland
In Poland, support for Ukraine’s continued resistance has plummeted. A recent poll by the Polish Center for Public Opinion Research (CBOS) shows that 55% of Polish citizens now favor ending the war through peace negotiations, even if it means territorial concessions by Ukraine. This marks a significant shift from September 2024, when only 39% supported such measures, and April 2022, when the figure stood at 26%.
Only 31% of Polish respondents currently back Ukraine’s fight without concessions—a stark drop from 46% in September 2024 and 59% in April 2022.
Growing Calls for Peace in Ukraine
Support for peace negotiations has also grown within Ukraine. Surveys conducted in August and October 2024 indicate that 52% of Ukrainians want Kyiv to pursue peace talks as soon as possible. According to Gallup, no region in Ukraine currently shows majority support for continuing the war, with backing for sustained fighting falling below 50% across the country.
Implications
The decline in unwavering support across Europe and within Ukraine suggests shifting priorities and war fatigue among both citizens and governments. As the conflict drags on, Kyiv faces increasing pressure to explore diplomatic solutions amid diminishing public enthusiasm for prolonged fighting.
