During the full-scale war in Ukraine, the number of citizens ready to make territorial concessions for various reasons has increased.
This is evidenced by the results of a survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology.
As of the beginning of October 2024, 32% of respondents believe that in order to achieve peace and preserve independence, Ukraine may give up some of its territories. However, the majority of respondents (58%) were categorically against any territorial concessions to Russia.
From May 2022 to May 2023, the situation remained stable: only 8-10% of respondents were ready for territorial concessions, while the majority (82-87%) strongly rejected this possibility. However, after May 2023, the share of those who were inclined to compromise began to grow. By the end of 2023, this figure rose to 19%, in February 2024 – to 26%, and in May 2024 – to 32%. As of early October 2024, this share remained at 32%.
Ukrainians living in the eastern part of the country (40%), in the south (33%), in the west (32%), and in the center (31%) are most ready to make concessions in October 2024.
It is also worth noting that the highest level of readiness for concessions is observed among those who do not trust the president and believe that the West is putting pressure on Ukraine (56%). Among those who trust the president and the West, the readiness for concessions is minimal: 69% are against any concessions.
The Kyiv International Institute of Sociology conducted its own survey between September 20 and October 3, 2024 among 2004 respondents. The sample did not include residents of the territories temporarily not controlled by the Ukrainian authorities.