News|Russia-Ukraine warMajority of Russians expect Ukraine war to end in 2026, state survey finds‘Main reason for optimism’ is a belief that war in Ukraine will end in 2026 with Moscow’s ‘objectives’ achieved,’ pollster says.
A recent survey conducted by the VTsIOM, a state-owned research center in Russia, indicates that a majority of Russians anticipate the conflict in Ukraine to conclude in 2026. This sentiment arises amidst ongoing advancements by Russian forces on the…
A recent survey conducted by the VTsIOM, a state-owned research center in Russia, indicates that a majority of Russians anticipate the conflict in Ukraine to conclude in 2026. This sentiment arises amidst ongoing advancements by Russian forces on the battlefield and intensified efforts to negotiate a ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow.
According to VTsIOM's annual survey, public sentiment for 2026 appears optimistic. Mikhail Mamonov, VTsIOM's deputy head, reported that 70% of the 1,600 respondents view 2026 as potentially more successful for Russia compared to the current year. Additionally, 55% attribute this optimism to the potential conclusion of what is officially termed by Russia as its "special military operation" in Ukraine.
Mamonov highlighted that the main driver of this optimism is the potential achievement of the operation's objectives, aligned with national interests. Key factors influencing the likelihood of reaching a settlement include the ongoing military offensive, the United States' hesitance to finance the conflict, and the European Union's challenges in replacing the U.S.'s role in Ukraine.
Post-conflict priorities are expected to focus on the reintegration of Russian military veterans and the reconstruction of Russian-controlled regions in Ukraine, as well as areas along the Russian border.
According to VTsIOM's annual survey, public sentiment for 2026 appears optimistic.
Despite the complexities in gauging public sentiment due to media controls and legal actions against dissent, independent pollster Levada indicates that approximately two-thirds of Russians support peace talks, marking the highest level of support since the conflict began in 2022.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed willingness to withdraw troops from Ukraine’s eastern regions, provided Moscow reciprocates by also pulling back its forces. This proposal includes creating a demilitarized zone monitored by international forces. Discussions are also underway regarding a similar arrangement for the area surrounding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently under Russian control.
Russia has not shown any indication of agreeing to withdraw from territories seized in Ukraine. It maintains that Kyiv must relinquish control of the remaining areas in the Donbas region before considering talks to cease hostilities. Currently, Russia controls most of Luhansk and about 70% of Donetsk.
Zelenskyy acknowledged that resolving the future control of the Donbas region remains a significant challenge. Establishing a demilitarized economic zone would necessitate detailed discussions regarding troop withdrawal distances and the positioning of international forces. Such discussions are suggested to occur at the leadership level.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.