The war in Ukraine is about to enter its fifth year. Pictured: thick plumes of smoke rising over Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, after a Russian drone and missile attack on December 23. (Reuters)

A poll released Wednesday (December 24) by VTsIOM, Russia’s state-run polling agency, shows that most Russians expect the war in Ukraine to end in 2026.

According to Reuters, as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict intensify, the Kremlin may be gauging public sentiment toward a potential peace agreement.

VTsIOM Deputy Director Mikhail Mamonov said that among 1,600 respondents, 70% believe 2026 will be more “successful” for Russia than this year, and 55% pin this hope on the possible conclusion of Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine.

At a press briefing on Wednesday, Mamonov said, “The main reason for public optimism is the potential end of the special military operation and the achievement of the president’s stated objectives aligned with the country’s interests.”

Reuters noted that the war, which began in February 2022, is approaching its fifth year, but due to Russia’s strict control over dissent, it remains difficult to gauge the true extent of war fatigue among the Russian public.

Mamonov added that Russia’s continued military offensives in Ukraine, U.S. reluctance to keep funding Ukraine, and the European Union’s inability to fully replace American financial and military support are key factors driving prospects for a final peace deal.

He also said that once hostilities end, top priorities will include reintegrating veterans into society and rebuilding Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine as well as regions along Russia’s border.

Separately, data from Russia’s independent polling agency, the Levada Center, shows that about two-thirds of Russians now support peace negotiations—the highest level since the war began.

The war in Ukraine is about to enter its fifth year. Pictured: thick plumes of smoke rising over Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, after a Russian drone and missile attack on December 23. (Reuters)

A poll released Wednesday (December 24) by VTsIOM, Russia’s state-run polling agency, shows that most Russians expect the war in Ukraine to end in 2026.

According to Reuters, as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict intensify, the Kremlin may be gauging public sentiment toward a potential peace agreement.

VTsIOM Deputy Director Mikhail Mamonov said that among 1,600 respondents, 70% believe 2026 will be more “successful” for Russia than this year, and 55% pin this hope on the possible conclusion of Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine.

At a press briefing on Wednesday, Mamonov said, “The main reason for public optimism is the potential end of the special military operation and the achievement of the president’s stated objectives aligned with the country’s interests.”

Reuters noted that the war, which began in February 2022, is approaching its fifth year, but due to Russia’s strict control over dissent, it remains difficult to gauge the true extent of war fatigue among the Russian public.

Mamonov added that Russia’s continued military offensives in Ukraine, U.S. reluctance to keep funding Ukraine, and the European Union’s inability to fully replace American financial and military support are key factors driving prospects for a final peace deal.

He also said that once hostilities end, top priorities will include reintegrating veterans into society and rebuilding Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine as well as regions along Russia’s border.

Separately, data from Russia’s independent polling agency, the Levada Center, shows that about two-thirds of Russians now support peace negotiations—the highest level since the war began.