Most Ukrainians reject territorial concessions in any peace deal

Three-quarters of Ukrainians reject major concessions in any peace deal, according to a recent poll conducted in Kiev, highlighting the challenge facing President Volodymyr Zelensky as he negotiates under pressure from the White House to end the war with Russia.

Ukraine has tried to oppose an original US-backed plan, which it and its European allies viewed as favoring Moscow, which is demanding that Kiev give up its entire eastern Donbas region and significantly limit its military capabilities.

The poll, conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), found that 72% of Ukrainians are prepared for an agreement that freezes the current front line and contains some compromises.

However, 75% believe that a Russia-friendly plan that involves giving up territory from Ukraine or limiting the size of its army without receiving clear security guarantees is "completely unacceptable."

The survey was conducted between late November and mid-December and included 547 respondents across Ukrainian-controlled territory.

KIIS executive director Anton Hrushetskyi said public opinion on the issue has remained stable in recent months, amid growing US pressure.

However, only 9% of Ukrainians wanted elections before the fighting ended, the poll found.

Trust in Zelensky likely fell after a major corruption scandal last month, but has now risen again to 61% following the dismissal of his top aide and renewed pressure from the US, Hrushetskyi said.

"Therefore, the insistence on elections in Ukraine is perceived critically by the public and is considered an attempt to weaken the country," he added.