For Peace, More Ukrainians Consider the Once Unthinkable: Surrendering Land

New York Times - WorldEN 5 min read 100% complete by Maria VarenikovaFebruary 4, 2026 at 11:07 AM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

A growing number of war-weary Ukrainians are considering ceding the remaining Ukrainian-controlled portion of the Donbas region to Russia in exchange for lasting peace and strong security guarantees from allies. This shift in public opinion comes as peace talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States continue in Abu Dhabi. While President Zelensky has publicly opposed withdrawing from the Donbas, he has hinted at compromise amid battlefield pressure. Recent polls indicate increasing acceptance of territorial concessions as a potential path to ending the conflict. The Donbas region, a key point of contention, has been heavily fortified by Ukraine, while Russia seeks its capture to claim a victory.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Luhansk 40% Donetsk ×250% Abu Dhabi 60% Volodymyr Zelensky ×270% United States ×280% Donbas region ×390% Ukraine ×5100% Russia ×4100%

Keywords

donbas 100% ukraine 90% territorial concessions 90% security guarantees 70% peace talks 70% russia 70% ceding territory 60% war-weary 60% peace negotiations 60% compromise 50%