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Capitulation is not peace: Nearly 80% of Ukrainians reject Russia’s demands on ceding territory and disarmament

Ukrainian soldiers.

The Ukrainians will not surrender. A resounding 76% of Ukrainians firmly reject Russia’s so-called “peace plan”, which would require Ukraine to capitulate and surrender its territories, according to the results of a new survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) in summer 2025.

Russia’s demands include the downsizing of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, abandoning NATO ambitions, and handing over Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. But the overwhelming majority of Ukrainians refuse to accept any such terms. Despite the ongoing hardships of war, citizens are unwilling to tolerate humiliation or the loss of national sovereignty.

Support for the “US plan” grows slightly, but is still rejected by the majority

At the same time, the share of Ukrainians willing, albeit reluctantly, to consider a “conditional US plan” has grown: 39% now support it, up from 29% in May. Still, nearly half, 49%, say this option remains unacceptable.

The so-called US plan envisions Russia retaining occupied territories, the US recognition of Crimea as Russian and European, but not American, security guarantees for Ukraine.

The joint Europe-Ukraine plan is the only one with the biggest support

The only proposal supported by a majority is a joint peace plan between Europe and Ukraine, backed by 54% of Ukrainians. Just 30% oppose it, down from 35% in May

That plan envisions Ukraine continuing its path toward EU membership, the maintenance of sanctions against Russia, and no recognition of Russia’s occupation of Ukrainian territory.

KIIS concludes: Even with a slight increase in willingness to consider compromise, peace on the Kremlin’s terms remains entirely unacceptable to most Ukrainians. Russia’s plan is capitulation, and Ukrainian society understands that clearly, the sociologists emphasize.

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