“Peace without trust”: 69% of Ukrainians do not believe current talks will lead to a lasting outcome — KIIS poll
The overwhelming majority of Ukrainians view the current negotiations to end the war with skepticism. Citizens do not believe Russia is prepared for genuine peace and warn against concessions that fail to provide real security guarantees.
Source: Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS)
Distrust of negotiations and Russia’s intentions
According to a survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), 69% of Ukrainians do not believe that the current negotiations can lead to a lasting peace in Ukraine. Only 26% of respondents expressed cautious optimism, while 5% were undecided.
Among those who distrust the negotiation process, 52% explain their position by the belief that Russia has no intention of ending the war and views negotiations merely as a tactical tool to continue its aggression.
Donbas “in exchange for guarantees”: society says no
A separate section of the study examined a hypothetical proposal under which Ukraine would recognize Russian control over the entire Donbas region in exchange for security guarantees from the United States and European countries.
This idea is categorically rejected by 54% of Ukrainians. 39% of respondents said they could accept such a scenario, though most of them acknowledged it would be an extremely painful and forced decision. Another 5% had no clear position.
The main arguments against such concessions include:
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35% believe Russia would not stop the war even after territorial concessions;
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33% consider it unacceptable to relinquish Ukrainian territories and abandon citizens living there;
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25% do not trust Western security guarantees, citing the experience of the Budapest Memorandum.
Referendum: demand for public participation
Despite overall skepticism, Ukrainians demonstrate a willingness for public involvement in decision-making. 55% of respondents support holding a referendum on the terms of a potential peace agreement.
At the same time, 32% oppose this format, while 14% remain undecided.
Context
The survey results point to deep public distrust toward any agreements reached without clear, effective, and enforceable security guarantees. For most Ukrainians, peace is inseparable from justice, sovereignty, and accountability of the aggressor, rather than a formal cessation of hostilities at any cost.
