Kyiv, Ukraine – A recent opinion poll shows that the majority of the Ukrainian people are categorically opposed to the idea of withdrawing from the Kyiv-controlled parts of the Donetsk region.
54% of participants expressed their complete rejection of ceding any territory in the Donbas region.
Even with Western security guarantees.
This reflects the deep distrust towards any political settlements with Russia.
It also ensures the continuation of popular resistance to the current negotiation tracks.
A crisis of confidence in “Western guarantees”
In the same context, the figures revealed that only 39% of Ukrainians might accept the concession “reluctantly.” This happens as fears prevail about repeating previous scenarios in which international commitments were not respected.
Accordingly, analysts believe that this refusal puts the Ukrainian leadership in an embarrassing position in the face of increasing American pressure to agree to a quick peace deal. Kyiv insists on legally binding guarantees.
This is rejected by the general sentiment, which fears that these guarantees are merely “ink on paper” that does not protect against future attacks. As a result, this complicates the task of the negotiators.
Moreover, the significance of this rejection lies in the geopolitical value of the Donbas region. This area is the industrial and mineral heart of Ukraine.
While Kyiv still controls about 20% of the Donetsk region, these parts include key defense lines. Also, they contain towns of paramount military importance.
While Kyiv still controls about 20% of the Donetsk region, these parts include key defense lines. Also, they contain towns of paramount military importance.
Pessimism regarding the outcome of the negotiations
On the other hand, a survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology indicated a general state of pessimism.
70% of participants do not believe that the ongoing negotiations will lead to lasting peace.
As Ukrainian society has become more intolerant of any infringement on sovereignty, it has become difficult for the government to market any “compromise solutions”.
This indicates that the gap between public aspirations and international demands began to widen significantly at the beginning of 2026.
This survey sends a strong message to international peace conferences that land is the red line for Ukrainians.
Therefore, any agreement that lacks popular support may face major internal challenges.
This also contributes to complicating the field and political landscape. This happens given that the will of society has become the biggest obstacle to any settlement that may be interpreted as a reduction of historical rights or a threat to Ukrainian national security.
