Ukrainians show high tolerance for long war, new KIIS data reveals
Eight in ten support continued refinery strikes even if US aid drops, while 63% say they are ready to fight as long as necessary.
By Pedro Salazar ·
Ukrainian public opinion remains firmly anchored in a strategy of sustained pressure on Russian infrastructure, regardless of shifting Western support levels. According to data released this week by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, 80 percent of respondents said Ukraine should continue striking Russian oil refineries even if the United States stops or reduces its assistance. Only 11 percent indicated the attacks should end, while 8 percent remained undecided.
This stance aligns with a high level of patience regarding the war's duration. The survey found that 63 percent of respondents are prepared to continue the conflict for as long as necessary. Another 5 percent specified a timeframe of one year, and 21 percent cited a shorter period ranging from a few months to half a year. The remaining 11 percent had no firm answer on how long the war should last.
The Kyiv International Institute of Sociology conducted the study from October 16 to 25, 2026. Interviewers spoke with 828 adult citizens aged 18 and older via telephone. The sample included residents from all regions of Ukraine under government control, excluding those in areas outside Kyiv's administration.
The institute reported a formal statistical margin of error not exceeding 4.4 percent for indicators near 50 percent. The margin narrowed to 3.8 percent for indicators near 25 percent, 2.7 percent for those near 10 percent, and 1.9 percent for those near 5 percent. KIIS calculated these figures using a probability of 0.95 and a design effect of 1.3.
The institute noted that wartime conditions introduce systematic deviations beyond the formal margin of error. KIIS has previously outlined factors that may affect survey quality during active hostilities.
Source: Ukrainska Pravda
