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As the war in Ukraine stretches on, public sentiment in Poland is shifting significantly, indicating a growing desire for peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow. A recent poll by United Surveys for Wirtualna Polska revealed that 54.5 percent of Poles believe Ukraine should begin negotiations with Russia, reflecting a notable trend of war fatigue within the nation. This sentiment is especially prevalent among supporters of the ruling left-liberal coalition, suggesting a complex interplay of political and social factors at work. However, despite this call for dialogue, recent military developments, including Ukrainian advances in the Kursk region, complicate the prospects for immediate negotiations, casting a shadow over the potential for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
A recent poll conducted by United Surveys for the Wirtualna Polska news outlet shows that 54.5 percent of Poles think Ukraine should begin negotiations with Russia to end the ongoing war.
When asked if it is time for Ukraine to engage in peace talks, 18 percent responded “definitely yes” while 36.5 percent answered “rather yes.” Support for negotiations was more prevalent among supporters of the ruling left-liberal coalition than those backing the opposition.
Conversely, 7.1 percent of respondents firmly opposed the idea, with an additional 19 percent saying “rather no.” Meanwhile, 19.4 percent were undecided, indicating that they “don’t know” or “found it difficult to say.”
The survey, conducted between July 26-28, 2024, highlights a growing war fatigue among Poles. Analysts suggest that public sentiment reflects increasing frustration with the prolonged conflict in Ukraine.
However, reports from The Washington Post suggest that peace negotiations remain unlikely at this time. Earlier this month, Ukrainian and Russian delegations were expected to meet in Qatar to discuss a potential agreement aimed at ending mutual attacks on energy infrastructure. Yet, recent Ukrainian military successes in the Kursk region have derailed these plans.
The U.S. newspaper also reported that a Russian diplomat involved in the talks accused Ukraine of “escalating” the conflict. While the Kremlin hasn’t ruled out future discussions, the negotiations have been postponed for now.
Since Aug. 6, Ukrainian forces have been conducting military operations on Russian territory, making significant advances in the Kursk region. According to the Ukrainian General Staff, their forces now control over 80 settlements across 1,150 square kilometers.
On Friday, Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi confirmed that the operation is progressing as planned, with captured Russian soldiers expected to be exchanged for Ukrainian prisoners in the future.
Opinion: The recent poll conducted by United Surveys reveals a significant shift in public sentiment among Poles regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, with 54.5 percent believing Ukraine should initiate peace negotiations with Russia. This reflects a notable trend of war fatigue, particularly among supporters of the ruling left-liberal coalition, who show increased support for negotiations compared to opposition backers.
The survey highlights a divided opinion: while 54.5 percent favor talks, only 7.1 percent are firmly against this approach, and nearly a fifth of respondents remain undecided. This growing desire for negotiations comes amidst reports of stalled peace talks due to ongoing military developments, including Ukrainian successes in the Kursk region.
Despite the expressed interest in negotiations, practical steps toward peace seem unlikely at this moment. Recent Ukrainian military operations have led to significant territorial gains, complicating the prospect of dialogue. As Ukrainian forces continue to make advances, the dynamics of the conflict remain fluid, raising questions about the feasibility of peace talks in the near future.