**Ukrainians Unwilling to Compromise on Territory or Western Path for Peace, Poll Shows**
A recent nationwide poll conducted by the Razumkov Center and Kyiv Security Forum has found that a majority of Ukrainians are not willing to give up any territory or abandon the country’s Western course in negotiations with Russia. The survey, which was published on May 8, shows that 56.9% of respondents would not be willing to compromise on either territorial integrity or Ukraine’s pro-Western direction in any potential talks with Moscow.
**Territorial Integrity and Pro-Western Path Non-Negotiable**
The poll results reflect a national consensus more than three years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, amid reports on the possible U.S.-suggested peace plan. According to Axios, the plan included de jure recognition of Russia’s annexation of occupied Crimea, along with de facto recognition of its occupation of other Ukrainian territories. It also provided for lifting sanctions imposed on Russia since 2014.
However, only 11.1% of respondents said they would consider ceding territory, while 14.7% would be open to changing Ukraine’s geopolitical course. This suggests that Ukrainians are unwilling to compromise on their territorial integrity and pro-Western path.
**Skepticism About Peace Agreement**
The poll also found that skepticism prevails when it comes to specific concessions. Over half of respondents (52.3%) said Ukraine should not agree to abandon its NATO aspirations, even if it were a condition of a peace treaty. Some 81% opposed reducing the size of the country’s armed forces.
Russia has long insisted on limiting Ukraine’s military capabilities and barring its accession to NATO as key conditions for peace. However, Ukrainians are skeptical about Russia’s intentions, with 66.5% believing that Moscow would violate any peace agreement and resume its attacks when convenient.
**Military Victory Possible, But Peace Agreement Unlikely**
Some 60.6% of Ukrainians believe a military victory over Russia is possible. At the same time, 54.1% said they do not believe a peace agreement can be reached in the near future.
Support for Ukraine’s integration with the West also remains strong, with more than half (57.2%) favoring the European model of development, compared to just 0.7% who prefer a Russian-leaning model.
**Kyiv Accepts Ceasefire Proposal, But Moscow Rejects**
More than 100 days have passed since the U.S. administration began efforts to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s campaign promise to end the war in one day. Kyiv accepted an unconditional 30-day U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal in March, but Moscow rejected it, demanding a complete end to Western military support for Ukraine.
Russia has repeatedly proclaimed its supposed readiness for peace talks while simultaneously pushing for maximalist demands. Kyiv has dismissed these declarations as a propaganda stunt, noting that Russian forces have only intensified their attacks on Ukrainian cities and towns.
**Conclusion**
The poll results show that Ukrainians are united in their unwillingness to compromise on territory or Western path for peace. The findings also reflect skepticism about Russia’s intentions and the possibility of a peace agreement. As the conflict continues, it remains to be seen whether Kyiv and Moscow can reach a mutually acceptable deal.
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