A clear shift in public opinion is evident in Ukraine after more than three years of war. In Gallup’s latest poll, conducted in early July, 69% of respondents say they want to end the war as soon as possible through peace negotiations.
Only 24% prefer to continue fighting until victory. This represents a complete reversal compared to 2022, when 73% wanted to continue fighting for victory and only 22% advocated for negotiations.
Despite the desire for negotiations, few Ukrainians believe the fighting will end soon. 25% consider it likely that active fighting will end within the next twelve months, but only 5% see this as “very likely”.
68% believe that an end to fighting within a year is unlikely. Meanwhile, daily missile and drone attacks continue, and fighting remains intense along several front sections.
“Support for the war effort has declined steadily across all segments of the Ukrainian population, regardless of region or demographic group. This shift comes as diplomatic efforts gain new traction. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signaled readiness for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, proposing renewed negotiations, while U.S. President Donald Trump is attempting to pressure the Kremlin with the threat of sanctions”, writes Gallup analyst Benedict Vigers, continuing:
“Despite these moves, the conflict continues largely unabated. Daily missile and drone attacks persist, and fighting remains intense along multiple sections of the front line”.
Fewer believe in NATO and EU
Ukrainians’ view of US political leadership has also shifted dramatically. In 2025, 16% say they are satisfied with US leadership, while 73% disapprove – the highest level to date. The strong sympathies that existed in 2022, when 66% approved of US leadership, have thus practically disappeared.
Belief that Ukraine will join the US-led military alliance NATO has also fallen sharply. In 2022, 64% believed in membership within ten years; in 2023, the figure rose to 69%. Last year it had dropped to 51%, and in 2025 it stands at 32% – roughly half the level of three years earlier.
Meanwhile, the proportion who believe Ukraine will never become a NATO member has increased to 33%, which matches the proportion still expecting entry within a decade.
Regarding the EU, expectations are stronger, though dampened compared to earlier. A narrow majority, 52%, believe in EU membership within ten years in 2025, compared to 61% last year and 73% in both 2022 and 2023.
Gallup poll – July 2025
- 69% want to end the war through negotiations
- 24% want to continue fighting until victory
- 25% believe the fighting will stop within a year (5% "very likely")
- 68% believe the fighting will not stop within a year
- 16% approve of US leadership, 73% disapprove
- 32% believe in NATO membership within 10 years
- 33% believe Ukraine will never become a NATO member
- 52% believe in EU membership within 10 years
