- November 16, 2024
- 3:21 pm
- Ukraine
“58% of Ukrainians consider territorial concessions unacceptable to end the war with Russia, showed KIIS survey. Statistics and analytics on society’s readiness for peace agreements.”
“The main reason for refusing territorial concessions is a high sense of national identity and loyalty to the sovereignty of Ukraine. Ukrainians are determined to defend their territorial integrity, despite any possible proposals for peace agreements. Research shows that even in conditions of heavy military losses and political uncertainty, the people of Ukraine prefer to look for other ways to resolve the conflict rather than capitulate to the aggressor.
The issue of territorial concessions: what do Ukrainians think?
The Kiev International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) conducted a new sociological study, the results of which showed that the vast majority of Ukrainians are not ready to sacrifice the territorial integrity of the country for the sake of making peace with Russia. According to the survey, 58% Ukrainians expressed clear disagreement with the idea of concessions in matters of territory, even in exchange for peace negotiations with Moscow.
From September 20 to October 3, 2024, the Kiev International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) conducted a nationwide survey, during which special questions were added about the readiness of Ukrainians to make territorial concessions in order to achieve peace agreements. The survey was conducted by telephone interviews based on a random sample of mobile numbers. It was attended by 2,004 respondents from all regions of Ukraine controlled by the Ukrainian government. The survey did not include residents of the occupied territories, as well as those who went abroad after February 2022. The expected statistical error was up to 2.9%, depending on the indicators. Press release published “Dynamics of readiness for territorial concessions and the factor of security guarantees to achieve peace agreements”.
Survey results: specific territorial concessions
Respondents were asked whether they were ready to accept certain territorial concessions as part of a peace agreement with Russia. Participants were offered several options: cession of all territories captured by Russia, Crimea or Donbass. The results showed clear resistance by the majority:
- 30% respondents would agree to give up all territories captured by Russia for the sake of peace.
- 46% ready to make concessions on Donbass and Crimea, but also not without conditions.
- 4% would agree to such concessions “easily”, while 64% respondents are categorically against concessions of all territories, and almost half (50% — Crimea, 51% – Donbass) against concessions to Donbass and Crimea.
These data highlight the high level of patriotism and willingness of Ukrainians to fight for their territorial integrity.
Answer to the question: NATO as an alternative to territorial concessions
The study also asked additional questions about whether respondents' positions would change if Ukraine received security guarantees, including through NATO membership. These guarantees turned out to be an important factor for some Ukrainians to change their position:
- In case of guaranteed NATO membership 51% respondents would agree to give up all territories seized by Russia.
- 65% would be ready to make concessions on the issues of Crimea and Donbass, subject to joining NATO.
- A significant proportion of respondents remained against concessions, even under security and NATO conditions: 42% – against concessions of all territories, 30% – against concessions to Donbass and Crimea.
Dynamics of changes in the positions of Ukrainians
It is noticeable that in recent months the attitude of Ukrainians towards territorial concessions has not undergone significant changes. Since the end of spring 2023, the number of those who are ready to make concessions for the sake of peace has gradually increased, but since May 2024 this trend has stabilized. On the other hand, the share of those who are categorically against concessions has increased from 55% to 58%.
The influence of foreign policy and the domestic situation on the opinion of Ukrainians
Anton Grushetskyexecutive director of KIIS, emphasizes that the current situation in the country significantly affects public sentiment. Military operations in Donbass, instability in the international arena, in particular, changes in the political situation in the United States after the elections, create an atmosphere of uncertainty. Grushetsky noted that such changes in politics and the external situation could significantly influence the Ukrainians’ decision regarding territorial concessions.
Why are concessions not accepted?
The main reason for refusing territorial concessions, according to Grushetsky, is a high sense of national identity and loyalty to the sovereignty of Ukraine. Ukrainians are determined to defend their territorial integrity, despite any possible proposals for peace agreements. Research shows that even in conditions of heavy military losses and political uncertainty, the people of Ukraine prefer to look for other ways to resolve the conflict rather than capitulate to the aggressor.
How different regions react to the issue of concessions
Statistics by region showed interesting results. The greatest support for territorial concessions was recorded in the western regions of Ukraine, where residents are more accepting of possible NATO membership and security guarantees from the international community. However, in the central and eastern regions the mood is more conservative, and many residents reject any concessions, even if it involves a diplomatic settlement of the conflict.
Table: Support for territorial concessions by regions of Ukraine
| Region | Relinquishment of all territories | Refusal from Donbass and Crimea |
|---|---|---|
| Western regions | 25% | 40% |
| Central regions | 60% | 50% |
| Eastern regions | 70% | 65% |
| Southern regions | 55% | 50% |
Conclusion: Sociological picture of the future world
Thus, the results of the KIIS survey show that for the majority of Ukrainians the issue of territorial concessions remains categorically unacceptable. The readiness for peace with Russia, subject to guaranteed security, including through NATO, is noticeably changing public sentiment, but the majority of citizens still remain firm in their desire to preserve the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) is one of the leading research companies in Ukraine, providing its clients with a full range of research solutions.
KIIS is a private Ukrainian company that cooperates with the National University “Kiev-Mohyla Academy”. KIIS was founded in 1990 as a research center of the Sociological Association of Ukraine, and since 1992 it has been transformed into a private enterprise. We were the first to introduce sociological standards in Ukraine. Our innovations in domestic sociological research were: the first reference book and the first training of interviewers in 1992; first face-to-face interviews and focus groups in 1992; the first domestic software for statistical data analysis in 1990; first sample design program in 1993.
NAnews about the results of KIIS
The KIIS study that we talked about shows: Ukrainians continue to defend their principles and independence even in difficult war conditions. Read more current materials on our website NAnews — Israel News.
