A majority of Russians surveyed by a state-owned research center expect the war in Ukraine to conclude in 2026, according to poll results released Wednesday. The All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM) published the findings as part of its annual survey on public sentiment and expectations for the upcoming year.
The poll, which surveyed 1,600 people across Russia, found that 70% of respondents viewed 2026 as potentially being a more “successful” year for the country than the current one. According to VTsIOM, 55% of those surveyed linked their positive outlook to a possible end of the conflict, which the Russian government refers to as a “special military operation.”
In a presentation of the findings, VTsIOM Deputy Head Mikhail Mamonov stated, “The main reason for optimism is the possible completion of the special military operation and the achievement of the stated objectives, in line with the national interests outlined by the president.”
Mamonov attributed this public sentiment to several factors, including ongoing Russian military operations in Ukraine and international support for Kyiv. He added that following a conclusion to the conflict, key priorities would include the reintegration of military veterans into society and the reconstruction of Russian-controlled regions of Ukraine.
Separately, polling from the Levada Center, an independent Russian research organization, indicated that about two-thirds of Russians support peace talks.
In developments on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on a potential plan to end the war. In remarks to reporters, Zelenskyy said he would be willing to withdraw Ukrainian troops from parts of eastern Ukraine if Moscow reciprocated by pulling back its forces from the area. The plan would involve establishing a demilitarized zone monitored by international forces.
Zelenskyy also suggested that a similar arrangement could be applied to the area surrounding the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is currently under Russian control. He described resolving the future status of the Donbas region as “the most difficult point” and said such discussions should occur at the leadership level.
The Russian government has not indicated it would agree to withdraw from territories it has seized in Ukraine. Russian officials have consistently stated that Kyiv must accept the annexation of four Ukrainian regions before substantive talks can occur.
