Archive · 17 Jan 2026
Ukrainians oppose withdrawing from Donbas for security guarantees
A recent poll shows that most Ukrainians do not want to give up control of part of the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine, even if it means getting security promises from the U.S. and Europe.
About 54% of people strongly oppose this idea, while 39% would only agree if they get strong security guarantees.
Many Ukrainians do not trust that these guarantees would prevent Russia from attacking again.
Russia has not shown much interest in reducing its demands and has been attacking Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing many people to lose power and heating in the cold winter.
The poll also found that almost 70% of Ukrainians do not believe the current peace talks will lead to a lasting peace.
54% of Ukrainians oppose withdrawing from parts of Donbas for security guarantees, while 39% would reluctantly accept with significant guarantees.
Ukraine controls about 20% of Donetsk, including strategically important towns and defensive lines.
Almost 70% of Ukrainians do not believe current negotiations will lead to lasting peace.
57% believe Russia would attack again even with current frontlines and security guarantees.
Russia has increased air strikes, damaging energy infrastructure and leaving millions without power and heating.
- Who
- Ukrainians, as per a poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS)
- What
- Opposition to withdrawing troops from the Donetsk region in exchange for security guarantees
- When
- Poll conducted in early January, reported on January 16
- Where
- Ukrainian-controlled territory, specifically the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine
- Why
- Ukrainians are wary of unmet commitments in the past and want legally binding security guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression
- Region in question
- Donetsk and Luhansk regions (Donbas)
- Ukrainian control
- About 20% of Donetsk
- Poll results
- 54% oppose withdrawal, 39% reluctantly accept
- Poll methodology
- 601 respondents, early January, Ukrainian-controlled territory
- Belief in lasting peace
- Almost 70% do not believe current negotiations will lead to lasting peace
- Future Russian attack
- 57% believe Russia would attack again with current frontlines and security guarantees
- U.S. support in case of renewed invasion
- 40% believe U.S. would not provide support, 39% think it would
