A recent survey shows that Ukrainians are increasingly open to territorial concessions for the sake of peace.

At the end of 2024, the number of citizens in Ukraine willing to make potential territorial concessions for peace increased, while the percentage of those who categorically oppose any concessions decreased. This change was a result of a survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology in December 2024.

Compared to the period from May to October 2024, when the situation remained stable, there was an increase in the number of people willing to make territorial concessions from 32% to 38% between October and December. At the same time, the share of opponents to concessions decreased. However, in December 2024, 51% of respondents still rejected territorial concessions (down from 58% in October).

The increase in willingness to make concessions was observed across Ukraine; however, in most regions, those against any territorial concessions still prevail. Among pessimistically inclined citizens, 59% support the possibility of concessions, while 27% are firmly opposed. Conversely, among optimists, the situation is reversed: 60% oppose concessions, while 31% are open to considering such options. It is important to note that the group of people with uncertain or contradictory views on concessions shares similar thoughts with the optimists.

Additionally, in June 2024, sociologists initiated an experiment investigating how Ukrainians perceive various options for peace agreements, which include both positive and negative aspects for Ukraine. The question was repeated in December.

The proposed "packages" of peace agreements included the following options:

1. Russia retains control over all occupied territories, Ukraine refrains from joining NATO but becomes a member of the EU and receives aid for reconstruction.
2. Russia retains control over the occupied territories, but Ukraine becomes a member of NATO and the EU with security guarantees and reconstruction aid.
3. Ukraine regains control over the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, while Donbas and Crimea remain under Russian control. Ukraine joins NATO and the EU with support for reconstruction.

According to the December survey, the first option was supported by 41%, while 47% expressed strong disagreement. In June, 38% supported this option, but 54% were opposed. Despite the increase in support for this option, it remains unpopular among the majority of respondents.

If Ukraine gains NATO membership (instead of refraining from joining the EU), support for options that delay the liberation of territories rises to 64%, with 21% opposed. In June, there were 47% supporters of this option and 38% opponents. This indicates a significant increase in support.

In the case of the third package, which stipulates the liberation of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions while delaying the liberation of Donbas and Crimea, 60% of respondents are ready to support such an option, while 26% are against it. Compared to June, when 57% supported this package, the increase is not as substantial but still noticeable.

Let us remind you that Ukrainians will need to pay taxes upon entering Europe. In 2025, the EU will implement a new Entry Exit System (EES) for tracking entries and exits, which will replace traditional passport control.