KMIS Poll: Majority of Ukrainians Oppose Ceding Donbas to Russia.

Survey Reveals Strong Opposition to Territorial Concessions

According to Novyny.live: A January 2026 survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KMIS) found that 52% of Ukrainians would reject ceding the Donbas region to Russia, even in exchange for security guarantees from the U.S. and Europe. Meanwhile, 40% of respondents expressed a willingness to make such a concession, while 7% were undecided. This poll comes amid ongoing debates about potential diplomatic resolutions to the long-running conflict.

Opposition is even stronger in the capital, with 59% of Kyiv residents deeming the condition of territorial transfer unacceptable. This highlights significant skepticism about changing control over these regions. The poll, which surveyed 1,003 respondents, provides nationally representative results.

Public Expectations and Presidential Stance

The survey also indicates that only 20% of Ukrainians expect the war to end in the coming weeks or the first half of 2026. A decisive majority—65%—are prepared to endure the conflict for as long as necessary. Furthermore, 88% believe Russia's strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure are an attempt to force capitulation, and 90% support Ukraine striking targets inside Russian territory.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that 'Ukraine will not agree to hand over the Donbas to Russia.'

Thus, the poll results reflect the public mood and its readiness for various scenarios within the conflict's context.

The KMIS data underscores Ukrainian society's steadfast position on territorial integrity, despite external pressure and military actions. The high proportion of respondents opposing the transfer of Donbas points to deep national sentiment and a desire to retain control over these territories. President Zelenskyy's position, which emphasizes a refusal to compromise, aligns with a state policy of upholding Ukrainian sovereignty. This public and official stance is likely to influence future negotiations and conflict resolution strategies.