According to a survey conducted by the Levada Center, almost one-third of Russians are willing to return to Ukraine all territories occupied since February 2022 to end the war. The shift in attitudes in this direction has been ongoing and deepening since the end of 2023.
The voices are divided as follows:
- 31% of respondents support President Vladimir Putin’s decision to end hostilities on Kiev’s terms, which includes a full withdrawal of troops from all occupied territories;
- of these, 14% expressed their full support;
- 17% – partial support.
Willingness to return Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions
As the research shows, citizens are primarily willing to part ways with the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, which were annexed by Russia in the fall of 2022 without their regional centers. For example, the city of Zaporizhzhia was never captured, and the Russian army was forced to leave Kherson. The return of these regions is supported by 21% of respondents, 7% of whom consider it the “best” solution, and 14% – “acceptable.”
Attitude towards “DPR” and “LPR”
Regarding the so-called “DPR” and “LPR,” the situation is more complex. 16% of respondents are willing to support their return to Ukraine in exchange for peace. However, only 5% consider this the “best option,” while 11% see it as “acceptable.”
Increase in support for ending the war
Interest in an immediate ceasefire has also risen to a record level – 78% of Russians consider this scenario acceptable. For comparison, in May 2024, there were 70%, and a year ago – 64%.
Shift in attitudes
Interestingly, almost half of the respondents (47%) believe that the war has brought more harm than benefit to Russia, and this figure has increased by 6% compared to May 2023. Meanwhile, only 28% still consider the war “useful” – which is 10% less than a year and a half ago.
These data indicate significant changes in Russian society, where more and more people are beginning to realize the negative consequences of the war for the country. But there is also a fly in the ointment – the Kremlin authorities have never been interested in the opinion of ordinary citizens until it causes unrest or something similar.
