More and more Ukrainians are in favor of negotiations with the Russian Federation, but the military is categorically against it: WSJ

According to the latest polls in Ukraine, after last year’s unsuccessful counteroffensive, support for the idea of ​​negotiations with Russia began to gradually grow. However, the majority of Ukrainians continue to stand by the fact that it is necessary to continue the struggle for the return of all occupied territories. One group of the population stands out separately, which remains categorically against any agreements with the Russian Federation — it is the military, informs The Wall Street Journal.

One recent study found that only 18% of veterans and active-duty military personnel believe that Ukraine should pursue a negotiated peace. This is the lowest indicator among all groups that participated in the survey. In addition, 15% of them said that they are ready for an armed protest if Kyiv signs a peace treaty with which they do not agree.

Andrii Biletskyi, the commander of the Third Assault Brigade, emphasized that although war fatigue is growing in society, there have been no serious military defeats. He is convinced that Ukraine has the opportunity to win back a significant part of its territories, and ending the war on the basis of random agreements can be extremely dangerous for the country.

Many in the military also believe that any peace treaty with Putin would be a pause for him to rearm the Russian army, after which the war would resume. Some emphasize that the sacrifices of their fellow citizens will be in vain if Ukraine simply agrees to concessions.

42-year-old veteran Ivan Panchenko categorically opposes any plans involving the surrender of territory: “Russia has violated dozens of international agreements over the past 30 years — agreements with it have no value. If we seek lasting peace, we must inflict maximum damage on them.” .

At the same time, although the majority of Ukrainians remain skeptical about the agreements with Putin, a certain part of the population, especially the youth, is ready even for non-ideal conditions in order to end the war. For example, Alla Pronina from Zaporizhzhia, whose husband is currently at the front, began to consider the possibility of negotiations after the counteroffensive last year. It is ready to give up the occupied territories just to achieve peace.

According to Volodymyr Dubovyk, director of the Center for International Studies, a change in public sentiment may open opportunities for President Volodymyr Zelenskyi to conclude a peace agreement. “The fact that people are increasingly inclined to negotiate is an important change,” he noted. However, Dubovik adds that any ceasefire may cause political risks.

Social division against the background of war

Many soldiers involved in the fighting in eastern Ukraine note a growing gap between those who fight and the residents of big cities, who pay little attention to the war.

“The government has created such conditions that those who fight and are really motivated will not agree to agreements that provide for the surrender of territories. But the decisions will be made by those who do not fight. It is painful”, – comments one of the soldiers.