Survey finds 44% of Ukrainians want peace talks with Russia to begin

 According to a recent survey conducted by the Razumkov Centre on behalf of the major Ukrainian newspaper, ZN.UA almost 44% of Ukrainians believe it is time for their government to begin official peace negotiations with Russia. However, this sentiment is not universally shared, as 35% of respondents expressed opposition to such negotiations, while 21% remained undecided.

The survey, which included 2,007 participants aged 18 and above, was carried out between June 20 and June 28, 2024. It revealed significant regional disparities in Ukrainians' attitudes towards peace talks with Russia. In western Ukraine, 35% of respondents supported the idea of negotiations, a figure similar to the 33% recorded in eastern Ukraine, where the bulk of ongoing heavy fighting is taking place. In the south of the country, a majority of 60% of participants favored engaging in peace talks, while in central Ukraine, roughly half (49%) were in favor.

An overwhelming 83% of survey participants, however, rejected the current ceasefire conditions proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Mr. Putin had stated that he would order a ceasefire "literally at the same minute" if Ukraine agreed to cede control of the partially Russian-occupied regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, as well as to abandon its efforts to join the NATO alliance.

Despite the growing sentiment in favor of negotiations, a slim majority of 61% of respondents were not willing to make any concessions to Russia to obtain a peace deal. Furthermore, 66% of participants expressed continued belief in the possibility of a military victory over Russia.

The survey results highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of public opinion in Ukraine regarding the ongoing conflict with Russia. While a significant portion of the population is open to the idea of peace negotiations, there is a clear reluctance to accept the terms currently proposed by the Kremlin. The regional disparities in attitudes further underscore the diverse perspectives and experiences within the country.

It is important to note that the survey was conducted in June 2024, and public opinion may have shifted since then as the conflict continues to evolve. Nonetheless, the findings provide a valuable snapshot of the Ukrainian public's sentiments at that time, which policymakers and international observers would need to consider as they navigate the potential paths toward a negotiated settlement or a continuation of the military conflict.