An average of 55% of Russians anticipate that the nearly four-year war in Ukraine will end in 2026, according to state pollster VTsIOM.
In its year-end briefing released on Wednesday, the VTsIOM’s Deputy Head Mikhail Mamonov said that 70% of the 1,600 people surveyed believed 2026 would be more “successful” for Russia than the current year, and 55% of respondents tied that optimism to the potential end of what Russia refers to as its “special military operation” in Ukraine.
“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," Mikhail Mamonov said at the presentation. In earlier year-end surveys, VTsIOM highlighted what it described as the unification of Russian society behind President Vladimir Putin and his objectives in Ukraine, but it did not provide data on how many people anticipated an end to the war.
Ukrainians are also wary of the ongoing war in Russia. According to Gallup’s survey conducted in August and October last year, around 52% of Ukrainians would like to see their country negotiate an end to the war as soon as possible. Only 38% of Ukrainians believe their country should keep fighting.
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