Most Ukrainians oppose withdrawal of Ukrainian armed forces from Donbas in exchange for security guarantees

Sixty percent of Ukrainians consider it categorically unacceptable to withdraw the Armed Forces of Ukraine from the part of Donbas they currently hold in exchange for security guarantees from the United States and Europe.

This data is provided by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS).

According to the survey, another 33% of respondents are willing to accept such terms, while 7% were undecided.

At the same time, Ukrainian attitudes toward another settlement scenario differ noticeably. Freezing the conflict along the front line in exchange for security guarantees and financial support for the country is backed by 59% of citizens. Thirty-one percent of those surveyed are categorically opposed to such an option.

Against the backdrop of this data, public debate about possible negotiation terms has intensified. On May 11, the Kyiv Independent, citing sources, reported that Russia’s concerns in negotiations include the withdrawal of Ukrainian armed forces from Donbas, recognition of Moscow’s control over new territories, control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and the lifting of Western sanctions.

On May 17, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin stated that for conditions conducive to “productive negotiations” to be created, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky must withdraw Ukrainian armed forces from Donbas and declare a ceasefire.

Earlier, Zelensky “clarified” Ukraine’s position on Donbas.