A significant share of Ukrainians who support holding a referendum are also in favor of withdrawing troops from Donbass, according to findings by the Kiev International Institute of Sociology (KMIS), as reported by Strana.ua.

The survey indicates that roughly half of respondents — 50% — back the idea of a referendum. Among those who support pulling Ukrainian forces out of Donbass, approval for a referendum is markedly higher, reaching 71%. By contrast, only 39% of those opposed to a withdrawal favor putting the issue to a public vote.

The research also highlights that willingness to participate in such a referendum rises under specific conditions. Support for taking part climbs to 61% if a potential peace agreement includes Ukraine’s accession to the European Union in 2027, security guarantees, economic recovery measures, and provisions described as «undefined territorial compromises." Only 10% said they would oppose participation under those terms, while the rest remained undecided.

On February 24, Vladimir Zelensky firmly dismissed any settlement scenario that would involve the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donbass.