Ukrainians believe in victory, but only a third expect a return to 1991 borders — poll

The overwhelming majority of Ukrainians say they believe in victory in the war with Russia, yet only a third of them expect the restoration of the 1991 borders.

The data were published by the Lviv-based sociological group Rating, as reported by a PolitNavigator correspondent.

In response to the question about belief in victory, 85% of respondents answered a combined “definitely yes” and “more likely yes.” For comparison, in March 2026 that figure stood at 82%, and in July 2025 at 80%. In the first year of the conflict, “belief in victory” held at 97–98%. Only 10% of those surveyed definitively do not believe in victory, while another 5% found it difficult to answer.

At the same time, sociologists asked respondents what Ukraine’s borders would look like after the end of hostilities. Only 32% of respondents believe the country will be able to reach the 1991 borders. 31% hope for the return of territories lost since February 2022. 16% admit that, following Donbas, Crimea, and the Sea of Azov region, Ukraine may lose additional territories as well.

Thus, fewer than a third of Ukrainians believe that Kyiv will achieve its declared goals — reaching the borders established following the collapse of the USSR.

The poll was conducted using computerized telephone interviews based on a random sample of mobile numbers in territory controlled by Kyiv.