Altogether, 61% of Ukrainians strongly oppose a ceasefire along the current front line unless Ukraine receives security guarantees. However, if European troops are stationed in Ukraine near the front line, ready to engage in combat in case of new aggression, 61% would support a ceasefire. This is evidenced by a survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, according to Dengi.ua.

How Ukrainians Feel About a Ceasefire Without Security Guarantees

In the survey, KIIS examined four ceasefire scenarios—each of which presumed that Russia would actually retain control over the occupied territories, but without official international recognition. Ukrainians perceived the scenario without security guarantees the worst:

  • 61% are strongly against it;
  • 32% are ready to approve (mostly reluctantly).

How Ukrainians Perceive European Troops as a Security Guarantee

The scenario involving a symbolic presence of European troops (without participation in combat) is perceived better, but opponents still outnumber supporters. Results regarding the symbolic presence of European forces:

  • 42% are ready to approve;
  • 49% strongly oppose.

However, the scenario with a "European shield" - where the troops of European countries are deployed near the front line and will repel an attack in case of a second invasion by Russia - enjoys the greatest support. Results regarding the "European shield":

  • 61% are ready to approve;
  • 33% strongly oppose.

Are Ukrainians Ready for Peace in Exchange for Money and Weapons from Allies?

A separate scenario involves increased supplies of money and weapons (missiles, air defense, airplanes, tanks) to Ukraine instead of foreign troops. Results regarding increased arms support:

  • 53% are ready to approve;
  • 37% strongly oppose.

How Different Regions of Ukraine Feel About the Ceasefire

KIIS demonstrated that there is very little difference between the regions of Ukraine—in most cases remaining within the statistical margin of error. Regional differences:

  • In all regions, the majority are against a ceasefire without security guarantees;
  • In the West, 62% are against; in the Center, 64%; in the South, 56%; and in the East, 57%;
  • The East most heavily supports the option of increased armament, with 71% willing to approve;
  • The West is the only region demonstrating parity (45% in favor / 45% against) with regard to "arms and money."

Anton Hrushetskyi, Executive Director of KIIS, commented on the results of the survey. According to him, the poll once again shows that Ukrainians are open to constructive dialogue to end the war and are even ready for heavy territorial concessions. The only party that disrupts the achievement of peace and bears full responsibility for the continued destruction and death is Russia.

However, Ukrainians are not ready to accept peace "on any terms." The bitter experience of the Budapest Memorandum and the Minsk agreements proved that a ceasefire without reliable security guarantees will only serve as a temporary truce until the next Russian offensive. As Hrushetskyi summarized, European troops near the front is the most reliable option, but it remains unrealistic. Therefore, most Ukrainians are ready to accept the option with increased funding and weapons, based on the principle "we are ready to fight ourselves, just provide the weapons."

"The pressure should be put not on Ukraine, but on Russia. The struggle continues and Ukrainians are determined to succeed," the expert summarized.