An opinion poll has shown for the first time since the start of the Ukraine war that a majority of Poles favour ending the conflict, even if that meant Kyiv having to cede territory to Russia or give up part of its independence.
A regular public opinion survey carried out by the public-funded CBOS agency found that in November, 55 per cent of respondents believed it would be preferable to “strive above all for an end to the war and return of peace, even if Ukraine has to give up part of its territory or part of its independence”.
CBOS noted that in November 2022, only 24 per cent of Poles were of that view, rising to 33 per cent in November 2023 and 39 per cent in September this year, exceeding 50 per cent for the first time this November.
Only 31 per cent of respondents now hold the opposing view, that it would be best to “continue fighting and not make any concessions to Russia”.
That figure has declined from 46 per cent in September this year, 59 per cent in November 2023 and 64 per cent back in November 2022.
The latest findings came in the wake of increasingly pessimistic reports from the Ukrainian front. That was coupled with US President-elect Donald Trump’s victory, which is expected to result in a cut in US support for Ukraine, ostensibly to spur an end of the conflict.
Respondents were also asked what they thought the outcome of the war would be, rather than what option they favoured. The results indicated the growing dismay among Poles with regard to the war.
Some 61 per cent said they thought Ukraine would have to cede part of its territory, up from 44 per cent in September and almost three times the 23 per cent recorded in November 2022.
Only 15 per cent said they now believed the war would end with Russia withdrawing either completely from Ukraine (3 per cent) or from all territories apart from Crimea (12 per cent). That was down from 25 per cent in September and 54 per cent in November 2022.
Poland has been one of Ukraine’s strongest allies, providing Kyiv with humanitarian, diplomatic and military aid as well as hosting millions of Ukrainian refugees.
Over the past 18 months, though, relations between the two countries have deteriorated. That was mainly as a result of farmers’ protests over Ukrainian grain imports and disputes about apportioning blame for massacres of Poles by Ukrainian nationalists during the Second World War.
The present Polish Government led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk has continued supporting Ukraine but has voiced doubts about the pace at which Ukraine could join the EU.
It has rejected the handover of additional MIG aircraft before replacements can be found and ruled out the Polish military joining any European peace-keeping mission once the fighting in Ukraine ceases.
Russian politicians such as former president Dmitriy Medvedev, in an apparent effort to divide Poles and Ukrainians, have floated the idea that Poland could take over parts of western Ukraine in an ultimate settlement.
That has not been supported by any political force in Poland or any segment of public opinion.
