Ukrainian support for the continuation of the war is dropping rapidly

Newest Gallup poll reveals a dramatic change in social sentiment in Ukraine. As many as 69 percent present believe that the war with Russia should end as shortly as possible through negotiations, while only 24 percent advocate the continuation of the battles until the full victory.

In 2022 the proportions were almost other – 3 quarters of Ukrainians declared their readiness to fight to the end, and only a small over 1 5th inclined towards peace. The decline in support for the continuation of the war covered all social groups and regions of the country, which shows that it is simply a national phenomenon alternatively than limited to selected environments or areas.

The change of attitude does not concern only the war strategy itself. The survey besides showed a sharp decline in assurance in the leadership of the United States. 2 years ago, 66 percent of Ukrainians were affirmative about Washington, present only 16 percent. At the same time, the vast majority of respondents believe that the USA, the European Union and the United Kingdom should participate in future peace talks. It follows that falling approval for leaders does not mean rejecting their function in the diplomatic process.

Faith in Ukraine's fast integration into Western structures is besides decreasing. In 2022, more than 60 percent of respondents were convinced that NATO membership was possible in a decade and more than 70 percent believed in integration with the European Union. At present, only 1 3rd of NATO's optimistic forecasts are shared by just over half of the EU. This change shows how quickly, in a situation of prolonged conflict, hope for ambitious political objectives can melt.

The reasons for this shift of public opinion are complex. The increasing exhaustion of society is simply a key factor. After more than 3 years of war, millions of people live in constant tension, struggling to lose loved ones, displaced and destroyed infrastructure. many unsuccessful attempts to break the front, advanced losses and cases of corruption in state structures are exacerbating frustration. In addition, there is increasing awareness that intensive combat activities do not deliver the expected results, and that the continuation of the conflict may further exterbate the economy and society.

The disappointed hopes of fast membership of NATO and the EU are also component of this puzzle. Initially, many Ukrainians believed that determination to defend the country and support the West would translate into an acceleration of integration. Today, more and more people see that this process can get stuck in a dead place or much longer. The shrinking trust in the US further exacerbates concerns about the future of alliances, especially in the context of political change in Washington, which can affect the scale and form of aid.

The poll results are interpreted in different ways. any commentators believe that an expanding number of negotiators are evidence of the public's willingness to accept compromises that were previously unthinkable. Others point out that the desire for peace does not necessarily mean consent to territorial concessions and that Ukrainians can anticipate talks while maintaining a firm position towards the aggressor. Anyway, changing moods is simply a fact and will affect the strategy of the authorities in Kiev.

For the government of Volodymyr Zelenski, these results are a clear informing signal. A society that demonstrated extraordinary mobilization and determination in the first months of the war present is increasingly in favour of the cessation of war. This could force greater commitment to diplomacy and search for scenarios that will enable the fight to be stopped without losing the key interests of the state. In the face of decreasing enthusiasm for the continuation of the war, maintaining national unity and public support will become more challenging than the logistics of the front itself.

Change of public opinion besides risks weakening global support. Western partners, observing the decline of Ukrainian determination, may be little inclined to long-term financial and military commitments. In this context, Kiev may be forced to intensify its contacts with European capitals and diversify sources of assistance to reduce dependence on 1 ally. The increasing function of Germany or France in the peace process can become a natural consequence of these trends.

The Gallup poll is an crucial mention point for analysing the future of the conflict. It shows that 3 years of constant war can radically change the priorities of even the most determined society. Although there is inactive a group of citizens ready to fight for full victory, it is simply a clear number today. The increasing support for negotiations is understandable in the light of the costs incurred by the country, but at the same time raises questions about the conditions under which specified peace could be concluded.

In summary, Gallup's survey reveals a profound change in Ukrainian attitudes towards war. From the first national uproar and belief in a swift victory, through months of exhausting fighting, they came to the point where most like to end the conflict at the negotiating table. This is simply a signal that the Kiev authorities and Western allies must take into account if they want to preserve both the effectiveness of action on the front and the political legitimacy in the eyes of society.