An increasing number of Ukrainians support peace agreements to end the war – NYT

More and more disillusioned Ukrainians are leaning towards the idea of peace through negotiations, although their understanding of what this would entail remains unclear.

This is reported by The New York Times.

Recent polls and statements from the leadership indicate a significant shift in society towards potential compromises. According to a poll conducted in mid-July, about 44% of Ukraine’s population is in favor of starting official negotiations with Russia.

On July 23, the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology published poll results showing that nearly one-third of Ukrainians are willing to make territorial concessions to end the conflict—three times more than a year ago. The differences are particularly pronounced in the south, where a year ago, 86% were against such a step; now, more than half of the respondents either support it or are uncertain. According to the institute’s executive director, Anton Hrushetsky, this is due to unfulfilled expectations of military successes last year because of delays in American aid.

The third year of the conflict has been exhausting for Ukraine: Russian troops are advancing deeper every day, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are unable to mount a successful counteroffensive, Western aid is delayed, electricity is frequently cut off across the country, and the death toll is rising. Kyiv fears that the potential return of Trump would strip it of U.S. military support, while aid from Germany could be halved if it adopts the proposed budget for 2025.