Poland, once a staunch supporter of Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression, appears to be experiencing a shift in public opinion. A recent survey conducted by Poland’s CBOS reveals that 55% of Poles now favor ending the war, even if it means Ukraine cedes territory to Moscow.
This marks the first time since the war began that a majority of Poles are prioritizing peace over territorial integrity.
Earlier in the conflict, the idea of “peace for territory” was widely unpopular among Poles. Support for such a compromise stood at just 26% in April 2022 and had risen to 39% by September. On the other hand, 31% of Poles remain firmly against any concessions, believing Ukraine should continue its fight without compromise.
Poland’s leadership, however, seems to be singing a different tune. President Andrzej Duda recently pledged to send Poland’s remaining MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, provided NATO guarantees the security of Polish airspace until new aircraft arrive. Similarly, Prime Minister Donald Tusk, after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, firmly rejected the idea of Ukraine making concessions to Russia in any potential peace talks. “Stop speculating about Ukraine’s possible defeat. It has nothing to do with the facts,” Tusk emphasized on X (formerly Twitter).
Meanwhile, Mykhailo Podoliak, an advisor to Zelensky, has ruled out the possibility of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. “The positions of the two countries are completely incomparable,” he stated, reflecting Kyiv’s unwavering stance against making territorial concessions.
Interestingly, the shift in Polish public opinion mirrors findings from a recent Gallup poll, which reported that a majority of Ukrainians are also willing to consider giving up territory in exchange for peace.
Despite the growing calls for compromise among the Polish public, their leaders remain committed to supporting Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty. As the debate continues, the divide between public sentiment and political action highlights the complex and emotionally charged nature of the ongoing conflict.
