An overwhelming majority of Ukrainians firmly reject any recognition of Russia’s occupation of Ukrainian territories. According to a nationwide survey, 76% of respondents oppose territorial concessions, even if such steps were proposed as part of potential peace agreements brokered by international partners.
Source: Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation in cooperation with the Razumkov Centre (survey conducted December 5–16, 2025).
Territorial integrity remains a red line for society
The survey shows that only 13% of respondents would consider acceptable a scenario in which Ukraine formally recognizes occupied territories as part of the Russian Federation.
Sociologists note a stable and deeply rooted public consensus: sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable, even in exchange for a ceasefire or the promise of peace.
Ukrainians oppose reducing the size of the army
Public resistance is also strong regarding proposals to downsize Ukraine’s armed forces.
70% of respondents oppose reducing the Armed Forces of Ukraine to 600,000 personnel, while only about one in five would agree to such a condition. This reflects high public trust in the military as a core guarantor of national security.
Frozen Russian assets should rebuild Ukraine — not fund joint projects
Another widely rejected proposal concerns the use of frozen Russian assets.
61% of respondents oppose redirecting a significant share of these funds to joint U.S.–Russia projects, instead of using them to rebuild Ukrainian cities and communities devastated by the war.
NATO membership: no public consensus
The least rejected condition among those tested was Ukraine’s potential отказ from NATO membership.
While 35% of respondents said they could accept such a step, 51% opposed it, indicating that Ukrainian society has no clear consensus on this issue.
A moral and Christian perspective
From a Christian ethical standpoint, the survey reflects a strong societal commitment to just peace rather than symbolic peace. Ukrainians overwhelmingly reject legitimizing violence, occupation, and injustice.
This aligns with a core biblical principle: peace cannot be built on falsehood or coercion, and the dignity of a people is not a bargaining chip.
