Most Ukrainians oppose “trading Donbas” for security guarantees — KMIS survey
More than half of Ukrainians (52%) categorically do not support the idea of handing over the entire Donbas to Russia in exchange for security guarantees.
This is according to a nationwide survey conducted at the end of January by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KMIS).
At the same time, 9% of respondents said they would easily agree to such a condition, while another 31% consider it a “difficult compromise.”
Sociologists note that compared to mid-January, there have been no significant changes in public attitudes on this topic.
The survey also measured perceptions of Russian strikes on energy infrastructure — 88% of respondents believe that Russia is trying to leave Ukrainians without electricity and heating and force them to capitulate.
Despite the shelling and disruptions in heating and electricity, fewer than 3% relocated to another settlement, and another 7% temporarily left but have already returned.
Support for retaliatory strikes on Russian territory remains high — 90% of respondents hold this view. Among them, 80% believe that strikes should target not only military infrastructure but also other objects.
Against this backdrop, expectations for a quick end to the war are low: only 4% think it will happen in the coming weeks.
Another 16% expect it to end at least in the first half of 2026, 18% — in the second half of 2026, and 43% name 2027 or later as the likely timeline.
