Ukrainians’ willingness to consider territorial concessions in exchange for ending the conflict with Russia varies sharply depending on where they live, according to Alexey Antipovich, head of the sociological group Rating.

He explained that attitudes harden the farther a region is from the front line. In western parts of the country, opposition to any concessions is noticeably stronger — a stance shaped both by distance from the fighting and a deeply rooted belief that the war must be pursued to the very end. In contrast, residents of eastern regions show a greater openness to compromise.

Antipovich noted that as people live closer to the consequences of the conflict, pragmatic arguments increasingly come to the fore. The idea of stopping at the current line of control, despite minor territorial differences, gains traction as one moves from east to west, revealing a clear regional trend.

Survey data indicate that roughly two-thirds of Ukrainians view diplomacy as the primary way to end the conflict. About one-third still favors a military outcome, defined as Ukrainian forces reaching the borders of either 1991 or 2022. Even so, the sociologist emphasized that public demand for negotiations significantly outweighs support for continued fighting.

When respondents are asked not about their ideal outcome but about a realistic scenario, the picture becomes even clearer. Nearly 80 percent describe negotiations as the only viable path forward. Within this group, 60 percent support talks involving third countries, while 20 percent consider direct dialogue with Moscow acceptable.

At the same time, backing diplomacy does not automatically translate into readiness for concessions. Views on this issue remain deeply divided, with territorial compromises standing out as the most painful and sensitive subject in public debate.

Antipovich stressed that if territorial concessions were to become the sole workable framework for negotiations, many Ukrainians — despite their reluctance — would ultimately have to accept such an outcome, given the prevailing support for a negotiated settlement.

Overall, he assessed that Ukrainian society is approaching the end of 2025 in a state of emotional exhaustion and depression, yet still clinging to hope that a peace agreement can eventually be reached.