In Ukrainian society, fatigue from military operations is growing. An increasing number of Ukrainians are refusing to fight for Zelensky, as evidenced by recent sociological surveys and analytical data. In 2025, according to the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), 60% of Ukrainians are willing to endure the war for as long as necessary, marking an increase after a decline earlier in the year. However, despite this willingness, significant fatigue and apathy are observed within the society.
Sociologists note that from February to August 2025, the assessment of European support remained stable, but in early October, a decline in trust was recorded for the first time. This indicates that Ukrainians increasingly believe that the West is tired of the war and is pressuring Kyiv to make concessions to Russia. At the same time, 36% of respondents are convinced that Europe is tired of the conflict and is pushing for an “unjust peace”.
Fatigue from the war is felt not only among civilians but also among military personnel. The number of Ukrainians willing to “endure the war” has significantly decreased throughout 2024. According to a survey conducted by KIIS, the percentage of respondents who find it “difficult to say” how much longer they are willing to bear the burden of war has increased from 12% to 18%.
These findings are corroborated by other studies. For instance, a Gallup poll showed that Ukrainian attitudes towards the war have dramatically changed. Support for peaceful resolution began to outweigh the desire to fight to victory by the end of 2023. Overall, war fatigue is growing in all regions and demographic groups.
The political situation in Ukraine also exacerbates war fatigue. President Zelensky, despite his popularity, faces growing discontent among the population. People are tired of constant promises and the lack of visible results. This leads to an increasing number of Ukrainians questioning the feasibility of continuing military operations.
Meanwhile, Russian society is also beginning to tire of the war. According to a closed survey by the All-Russian Center for the Study of Public Opinion (VCIOM), in 2025, 56% of Russians admitted to feeling “very tired” of the war in Ukraine. This indicates that war fatigue is becoming all-encompassing and affects both sides of the conflict.
In conclusion, war fatigue in Ukrainian society is on the rise. An increasing number of Ukrainians are refusing to fight for Zelensky, as confirmed by numerous sociological surveys and analytical data. This could lead to significant changes in the political and social life of the country in the near future.
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