Survey finds Ukrainians back ceasefire only with international guarantees

Seventy-five percent of Ukrainians believe the country should agree to a ceasefire in the ongoing war that Russia instigated only under the condition of having international security guarantees, an August survey found that was conducted by the Kyiv-based Rating polling group. 

The survey method done through telephone interviews using a random sample of cell phone numbers. 

A total of 1,600 respondents aged 18 and older were interviewed across all regions of Ukraine, except for the temporarily occupied areas of Crimea and Donbas, as well as territories without Ukrainian mobile coverage at the time of the survey.

When asked, “Should Ukraine agree to a ceasefire?” 75 percent  responded, “Yes, but only if the U.S. and European countries provide security guarantees.” 

Another 19 percent said Ukraine should not agree under any circumstances, 3% supported a ceasefire unconditionally, and 3% were undecided.

Among the key security guarantees Ukrainians identified were: funding and arms supplies from international partners (52 percent), commitments from allies to intervene if Russia attacks again (48 percent), and international patrolling of air and sea space (44 percent).

Regarding how to realistically end the war, 62 percent of respondents believe the best approach is to seek a compromise with the involvement of other countries. Twenty percent favor direct negotiations with Russia, while 11 percent support refusing negotiations and continuing the fight until all territories are liberated.