Archive · 24 Dec 2025
Majority of Russians Hopeful for Ukraine Peace by 2026
A recent survey in Russia found that most people think the war in Ukraine will end in 2026.
The survey, done by a group called VTsIOM, asked 1,600 people.
70% of them think 2026 will be a better year for Russia, and 55% of these people think this is because the war might end.
The survey also mentioned that the Russian army is still fighting in Ukraine, and the U.S. and Europe are not fully supporting Ukraine like before.
The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, has said that for peace, Ukraine should give up some land and not join NATO.
The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, thinks peace talks are making progress and wants to meet with the U.S. president to discuss important issues.
70% of Russians surveyed expect 2026 to be a more successful year for Russia compared to 2025.
55% of respondents link their optimism to a potential end to the war in Ukraine.
The Russian army's ongoing offensive, U.S. reluctance to finance Ukraine, and the EU's inability to fully replace the U.S. are cited as factors for potential peace.
Two-thirds of Russians support peace talks, the highest share since the start of the war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes negotiations are close to a real result and seeks a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss sensitive issues.
- Who
- Russians, as surveyed by VTsIOM
- What
- Majority expect the war in Ukraine to end by 2026
- When
- Survey conducted in December 2025
- Where
- Russia
- Why
- Due to potential completion of the 'special military operation' and achievement of stated objectives
- Pollster
- VTsIOM
- Survey Date
- Wednesday, December 2025
- Respondents
- 1,600
- Optimism for 2026
- 70%
- Optimism Linked to War End
- 55%
- Russian Army Offensive
- Ongoing
- U.S. Financing Ukraine
- Reluctant
- EU Replacement of U.S.
- Incomplete