War in Ukraine – Perspectives On Peace:  This running estimate analyzes public opinion surrounding the Russia-Ukraine war as of April 2025. Despite war weariness on both sides, with many Russians and Ukrainians supporting peace negotiations, seemingly intractable objectives and deep distrust complicate prospects for a resolution. Key Findings:

• Russian Sentiment: 61 percent of Russians support peace talks, driven by war fatigue, but still largely back the “special military operation,” likely due to sustained state-controlled media narratives. Support for negotiations increased with reported battlefield gains. Putin’s approval remains high (87 percent).

• Ukrainian Resolve: Ukrainians overwhelmingly (79 percent) reject Russian peace terms and remain determined to reclaim occupied territory. Trust in President Zelenskyy is rising (74 percent) following his meeting with the U.S. President.

• Perception of Benefit: Both Ukrainians and Europeans largely believe a peace agreement would primarily benefit Russia.

• Perceptions of the U.S. position: A significant 67 percent of Ukrainians believe the United States is pushing for concessions to Russia to end the war quickly, contrasting with strong trust in European support (64 percent).

• Shifting Blame: Both Russia and Ukraine are positioning themselves to deflect blame should peace talks fail. This analysis highlights a complex situation where popular desire for peace clashes with deeply held national interests and mutual suspicion.

Continued European support for Ukraine and evolving perceptions of U.S. involvement will significantly shape the conflict’s trajectory.