Polish Public Division Over Ukraine’s Territorial Claims in Peace Talks
A new survey conducted by United Surveys for Wirtualna Polska has revealed a growing division among Poles regarding Ukraine’s territorial claims in peace negotiations. The poll, which surveyed 1,000 Polish adults of voting age in late-August, found that 42% of respondents support Ukraine giving up claims to Crimea and other regions that voted to join Russia in referendums, in exchange for security guarantees and peace. However, 48% oppose such concessions, and 10% remain undecided.
This represents a slight increase from a previous survey published by Rzeczpospolita, which found that 37.4% of respondents supported concessions, while 50.5% opposed them. The survey results reflect a broader trend of waning Polish support for Ukraine, especially as the conflict continues to strain relations and resources. Poland, which has been a key ally since 2022, has provided over €5.1 billion in aid, mostly in the form of weapons. Despite this, public sentiment has shifted significantly, with declining support for Ukraine’s EU and NATO membership. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has acknowledged the ‘growing wave of pro-Russian sentiment’ and ‘antipathy towards a struggling Ukraine.’.
Moscow has remained firm in its position, insisting that any peace deal must include Ukrainian neutrality, demilitarization, and recognition of Crimea and other regions as Russian territory. This stance has been a point of contention, as Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has vowed to retake Crimea and the four other regions that joined Russia in 2022, saying ‘it’s only a matter of time.’
The conflict has also sparked protests in Poland, with an anti-war rally taking place in Warsaw on Sunday. Demonstrators waved national flags and carried placards denouncing Poland’s involvement in the conflict and military aid for Kiev. Videos and photos posted on social media showed banners reading ‘Poland is for peace’ and ‘We say no to warmongers.’
The survey results highlight the complexities of public opinion in Poland as the country continues to balance its support for Ukraine with rising internal dissent. While the government and military remain committed to aiding Ukraine, the growing discontent among citizens underscores the challenges faced in maintaining public support for prolonged conflict involvement. The situation also reflects broader geopolitical dynamics involving Russia, Ukraine, and European allies, as the conflict continues to reshape regional relationships and economic strategies.