A new survey reveals that while most Czech citizens hope for a rapid end to the war in Ukraine—even if it involves territorial concessions—they remain skeptical about the likelihood of a near-term peace agreement.
According to polling conducted by the STEM analytical center, “70% of Czechs said that the Czech Republic should support a swift end to hostilities in Ukraine, while the remaining 30% believe the country should support Ukraine in regaining lost territories, even at the cost of prolonging the conflict.” These attitudes have remained consistent since STEM began tracking them in June 2023.
Despite this preference for peace, the Czech public doesn’t appear optimistic about its feasibility. Only 15% of respondents think a truce between Ukraine and Russia is likely in the near future, while “more than 70% see it as unlikely.”
Growing concerns about the geopolitical stance of Donald Trump’s administration have also influenced Czech public opinion. STEM notes an increase in support for a more assertive European role in addressing the war.
“A majority of Czechs (54%) would prefer Europe to engage diplomatically in defending Ukraine’s interests, even at the expense of Russia’s interests. 30% are opposed, and 17% have no opinion on the matter.”
In addition, roughly half of those surveyed believe that the European Union should take the lead—through diplomatic, economic, and military channels—in determining the outcome of the conflict.
