A majority of Russians believe the war in Ukraine will conclude in 2026, a state-run pollster said on Wednesday, a finding that analysts say could reflect the Kremlin gauging public sentiment as diplomatic efforts toward a potential peace agreement gather pace.
During the pollster's year-end presentation, VTsIOM Deputy Head Mikhail Mamonov said 70% of the 1,600 respondents saw 2026 as a more "successful" year for Russia than this year, while for 55% that hope was linked to a possible end to what Russia calls 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," Mamonov said at the presentation.
In its previous year-end polls, VTsIOM emphasized the consolidation of Russian society around President Vladimir Putin and his military goals in Ukraine but gave no figures for the share of the population expecting the war to end.
Hard to assess real degree of public fatigue with conflict
