KIIS poll: Fewer Ukrainians willing to endure war indefinitely

This is evidenced by a survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology from September 20 to October 3.

“Between February and October 2024, we observed a decrease in the proportion of those willing to endure for as long as necessary for the first time. Nonetheless, the majority of Ukrainians—63%—still state they are prepared to endure the war for as long as it takes. Meanwhile, the percentage of those who believe they can manage for one year has increased from 3% to 6%, indicating that 69% of Ukrainians are considering a relatively long duration,” the KIIS report states.

Interestingly, the proportion of respondents suggesting a shorter period — several months to half a year — remains steady, at 19% now compared to 21% in February 2024. However, the share of those unable to give a clear answer has risen from 4% to 12%, likely reflecting increased uncertainty about the future among Ukrainians, the survey notes. 

According to KIIS data, from the start of the invasion until early 2024, these attitudes remained largely consistent, with around 71-73% expressing willingness to endure the war as long as necessary. During this period, roughly 18-21% spoke of a shorter endurance limit of a few months to half a year.

Sociologists also asked respondents about their perception of Russia's endurance, as one key propaganda message is that fighting Russia is futile due to its "unlimited resources" in terms of money, manpower, and weaponry. 

From October 2023 to October 2024, opinions have remained nearly unchanged: 47% of Ukrainians believe Russia has enough resources for a prolonged war, while 46% think that Russia’s reserves are running out.