Ukraine has been at war for almost two years, with millions of people displaced and significant geopolitical and ecological consequences. Despite the challenges of measuring public opinion in a wartime situation, surveys have provided insight into how Ukrainians are coping. One notable finding is the high costs in terms of lives and mental health, with almost half of respondents reporting the loss of loved ones and a deterioration in mental health. Lack of sleep, lost income, deteriorating physical health, and family separation are also commonly reported.
Another finding is that more Ukrainians are willing to negotiate for peace. While the majority initially supported negotiations, sentiment shifted against it due to Russian assaults and alleged war crimes. However, the percentage in favor of negotiations has been gradually increasing, reaching 42% in November 2023. Despite this, talks with Russia are unlikely given the current war climate and Russia’s militarization efforts.
Resistance to land concessions also continues among Ukrainians. The majority strongly reject the idea of holding only the territory currently controlled by Ukraine as the price for peace. They also reject the idea of returning to pre-2022 borders and renouncing aspirations to join NATO and the European Union. These attitudes restrain Ukraine’s leadership, as the US officials do not expect Ukraine to retake lost territory in 2024.
Despite the expectation that the conflict will continue for at least another year, Ukrainians remain optimistic about the country’s future. The war has paradoxically generated a surge of optimism as people process their suffering into hope. In November 2023, 77% of respondents said they were optimistic about Ukraine’s future. However, the fatigue from the war is growing among both Western backers and Ukrainians themselves, who are paying a significant cost in lives and well-being.
Overall, Ukrainians desire for their war resistance to affirm Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity. The war has taken a toll on the population, but their resilience and hope for a better future remain.
