Most Ukrainians reject giving up Donbas to Russia even for US security guarantees
Most Ukrainians refuse withdrawal of troops from Donbas (photo: Getty Images)
Most Ukrainians reject transfer of Donbas under Russia's control — even if the United States and Europe provide security guarantees in return, according to new survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology.
A survey was conducted on March 1–8, 2026, among 1,003 respondents, according to the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology.
Two out of three — against
62% of Ukrainians consider the transfer of the entire Donetsk region to Russia a categorically unacceptable condition, even in exchange for security guarantees from the United States and Europe.
33% would agree to such a concession, and another 5% could not decide.
Compared to mid-February, the number of those who are categorically against has increased — it was 57% then.
What happens if guarantees are specified
In February, Kyiv International Institute of Sociology experimented: if it is directly explained that security guarantees from the United States do not include deployment of their troops in Ukraine, closure of airspace, and free provision of weapons, support for such a proposal drops sharply.
Willingness to fight depends on the position in Donbas
Kyiv International Institute of Sociology recorded another link between attitude toward the transfer of Donbas and willingness to endure war.
Among those who are categorically against the surrender of Donbas:
- 67% are ready to fight as long as needed
Among those who easily agree to such an exchange:
- Only 26% are ready to endure until the end
That is, those who reject the transfer of Donbas are also more morally resilient to prolonged war.
"For Ukrainians, security guarantees are a fundamental point, and for the majority, peace will have no meaning or value if this peace is 'on any terms'," said the executive director of Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, Anton Grushetskyi.
In January 2026, only 40% of Ukrainians believed that the United States, within promised guarantees, would provide all necessary support to repel a possible new attack by Russia.
At the same time, according to the same Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, 61% of Ukrainians trust President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, 33% do not trust. Balance of trust-distrust is plus 28%.
