Poll: Russia’s goals in the war against Ukraine: How Ukrainians assess the threats and how this situation is similar to the experience of Israelis

According to the survey, 66% of Ukrainians believe that Russia’s main goal is to destroy Ukraine and its people.

The overwhelming majority of Ukrainians are convinced that Russia does not intend to limit itself to the preservation of the captured territories and will continue its aggression.

This is confirmed by the results of a new survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) in February-March 2025.

The response of Ukrainians to Russia’s threats and their readiness to continue the struggle for their independence remain the key factors determining their actions in wartime. Israel, as a country with rich experience in defending its security, can serve as an important example for Ukrainians during this difficult period.

Negotiations in Saudi Arabia: First Step or Continuation of the Conflict?

On March 11, 2025, important negotiations took place in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) between Ukrainian and American delegations. These talks attracted the attention of the global public as they could influence the further development of the conflict. However, whether they will bring real changes in relations between Kyiv and Washington remains to be seen. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that these talks could be part of the “50 wins in 50 days” of his administration.

Ukraine has expressed its readiness to accept the U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire on the condition that Russia fulfills its obligations. However, as emphasized by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, this will not be a frozen conflict. If Russia agrees to these terms, it will open the way for further negotiations on a long-term resolution of the conflict. These events are important for Ukraine, but despite diplomatic efforts, the people continue to perceive the threat as real and ongoing.

Statistics on Russia’s Goals in the War Against Ukraine

The results of a new survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) in February-March 2025 provide alarming data about Ukrainians’ perception of the threat from Russia. Most Ukrainians believe that Russia’s goal is to destroy Ukraine and its people, not just to capture territories.

66% of Ukrainians believe that Russia’s goal is to destroy Ukraine and its people

• 28% of respondents are convinced that Russia seeks to physically genocide Ukrainians.
• 38% believe that the goal is to capture a larger part of Ukraine and eliminate Ukrainian statehood.

This data indicates a high level of anxiety among Ukrainians. The survey showed that for most Ukrainians, the war with Russia is perceived as more than just a territorial conflict – it is a struggle for the survival of the nation.

87% of Ukrainians believe that Russia will not stop at the occupied territories

According to the survey, the overwhelming majority (87%) of Ukrainians believe that Russia will not stop at the already occupied territories. This confirms their fears about the further expansion of aggression and the need to protect not only territorial integrity but also Ukraine’s statehood.

Perception of the threat in different regions of Ukraine

The distribution of opinions across regions of Ukraine also showed that the perception of the threat from Russia varies greatly depending on geographical location. In western Ukraine, where history and political consciousness were shaped in the context of threats from aggressors, the perception of the threat is more acute.

As seen from the table, the greatest perception of the threat is recorded in the West and Center of Ukraine, where 70% and 68% of respondents believe that Russia seeks to physically genocide Ukrainians. For the East and South of Ukraine, this threat is perceived less, but even there, the majority believes that Russia will not stop at what has already been achieved.

14% believe that Russia seeks to establish a pro-Russian government

Among those respondents who do not believe that Russia’s goal is the complete destruction of Ukraine, 14% believe that Russia seeks to capture most of the country and establish a pro-Russian regime. This statistic also confirms that even among those who do not perceive aggression as destruction, there are serious concerns about Ukraine’s future independence.

Comparison of Ukraine’s and Israel’s Enemies

Russia, as an aggressor against Ukraine, has similar goals to Israel’s enemies. Just as Israel is under threat from terrorist groups and countries seeking to destroy the Jewish state, Ukraine is facing similar intentions from Russia. Both of these enemies — Russia and terrorist groups such as Hamas and Iran — do not just want to capture territory but also call into question the very existence of these countries.

Just as Israelis have long known that survival requires refusing to make any compromises with aggressors, Ukrainians face the same reality. Russia, like their enemies in Israel, seeks not only occupation but also the destruction of Ukraine’s national identity and statehood.

The Influence of Statistics on Strategic Decisions

The collected data and statistics show how the threat is perceived in Ukraine and how they are responding to it. The overwhelming majority of Ukrainians recognize the threat from Russia as real and ongoing, and do not believe in the possibility of a quick end to the conflict. Ukraine continues to resist and is ready to defend its independence, just like Israel, which has faced constant threats from its neighbors for decades.

For Israel, which has gone through numerous wars and confrontations with neighbors, such data and perception of the threat are nothing new. These parallels highlight how important the experience of fighting for independence is and how highly national security is valued. Ukraine, like Israel, must consider this experience in its policy and strategy on the international stage.

The response of Ukrainians to Russia’s threats, as well as their willingness to continue the struggle for their independence, remains the key factor determining their actions in the context of war. Israel, as a country with a rich experience of fighting for its security, can serve as an important example for Ukrainians during this difficult period.