Public opinion in Ukraine has shifted sharply toward ending the war with Russia through talks rather than continuing to fight until victory, according to new polling conducted in July. Three years into the conflict, 69 percent of Ukrainians say they want a negotiated settlement as soon as possible, while 24 percent support fighting until victory.
Gallup, which conducted the poll, noted that the numbers represent a reversal from 2022, when polling found that 73 percent backed continuing the fight and only 22 percent wanted talks. The latest survey shows this change has occurred across all regions and demographic groups.
Despite a stronger interest in diplomacy, expectations for a quick end to the fighting remain low. Just 25 percent believe active combat will end in the next 12 months, and only 5 percent say it is “very likely.” Meanwhile, 68 percent think it is unlikely that fighting will end within a year.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has recently expressed readiness for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. US President Donald Trump has sought to add pressure on Moscow through the threat of sanctions. However, fighting remains intense, with missile and drone strikes continuing daily along several sections of the front line.
The survey also found a steep drop in approval for US leadership. Only 16 percent of Ukrainians approve of Washington’s leadership in 2025, while 73 percent disapprove—a reversal from 2022, when 66 percent approved. The change comes amid heightened tensions between Kyiv and Washington following Trump’s return to office and a tense Oval Office meeting with Zelensky in February, which coincided with pauses in US military aid.
Approval ratings for other global powers vary. Germany’s leadership approval has reached 63 percent, its highest level since the war began, while Russia’s approval remains at 1 percent and China’s at 8 percent.
Even with the drop in approval, Ukrainians still see a US role in negotiations. Seventy percent say Washington should play “a significant role” in peace talks, similar to views toward the European Union (75 percent) and the United Kingdom (71 percent). Turkey, where some talks have been held, is supported by 55 percent for a significant role.
Confidence in joining Western alliances has also fallen. Just 32 percent expect Ukraine to join NATO within the next decade, down from 69 percent in 2023. Thirty-three percent believe Ukraine will never be admitted. Views on EU membership are more positive but still declining, with 52 percent expecting accession within the next 10 years, compared to 73 percent in 2022 and 2023.
Gallup, which conducted the poll, noted that the numbers represent a reversal from 2022, when polling found that 73 percent backed continuing the fight and only 22 percent wanted talks. The latest survey shows this change has occurred across all regions and demographic groups.
Despite a stronger interest in diplomacy, expectations for a quick end to the fighting remain low. Just 25 percent believe active combat will end in the next 12 months, and only 5 percent say it is “very likely.” Meanwhile, 68 percent think it is unlikely that fighting will end within a year.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has recently expressed readiness for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. US President Donald Trump has sought to add pressure on Moscow through the threat of sanctions. However, fighting remains intense, with missile and drone strikes continuing daily along several sections of the front line.
The survey also found a steep drop in approval for US leadership. Only 16 percent of Ukrainians approve of Washington’s leadership in 2025, while 73 percent disapprove—a reversal from 2022, when 66 percent approved. The change comes amid heightened tensions between Kyiv and Washington following Trump’s return to office and a tense Oval Office meeting with Zelensky in February, which coincided with pauses in US military aid.
Approval ratings for other global powers vary. Germany’s leadership approval has reached 63 percent, its highest level since the war began, while Russia’s approval remains at 1 percent and China’s at 8 percent.
Even with the drop in approval, Ukrainians still see a US role in negotiations. Seventy percent say Washington should play “a significant role” in peace talks, similar to views toward the European Union (75 percent) and the United Kingdom (71 percent). Turkey, where some talks have been held, is supported by 55 percent for a significant role.
Confidence in joining Western alliances has also fallen. Just 32 percent expect Ukraine to join NATO within the next decade, down from 69 percent in 2023. Thirty-three percent believe Ukraine will never be admitted. Views on EU membership are more positive but still declining, with 52 percent expecting accession within the next 10 years, compared to 73 percent in 2022 and 2023.
