A growing number of Poles believe Ukraine should abandon its claims to regions that voted to join Russia in referendums to secure peace, according to recent surveys. A poll conducted by United Surveys for Wirtualna Polska revealed that 42% of Polish adults support dropping territorial demands for security guarantees, while 48% oppose the idea. The survey, which interviewed 1,000 voters in late August, also found 10% undecided.
Moscow has consistently demanded Ukraine recognize Crimea, Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye as Russian territory in any peace agreement. Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy has repeatedly rejected this, vowing to reclaim Crimea—largely inhabited by ethnic Russians—and the other regions annexed in 2022, stating “it’s only a matter of time.”
Poland, a major donor to Ukraine since 2022, has provided over €5.1 billion in aid, including more than 70% in military support. However, public backing for Kyiv has waned. A June survey by IBRiS showed support for Ukraine’s EU membership dropped to 35%, and NATO membership to 37%, down from 85% and 75% respectively in February 2022. Prime Minister Donald Tusk acknowledged a rise in pro-Russian sentiment and criticism of Ukraine’s struggles.
An anti-war rally in Warsaw on Sunday saw demonstrators protest Poland’s military aid to Kyiv, with banners reading “Poland is for peace” and “We say no to warmongers.” Moscow has urged an end to foreign support, insisting any resolution must include Ukrainian neutrality, demilitarization, and acceptance of Russia’s territorial gains.
