In August 2025, only 27% of Russians supported continuing the war in Ukraine, while a record 66% backed peace talks, survey shows.

Sept. 13, 2025

Support among Russians for continuing the war in Ukraine has dropped to its lowest point since the full-scale invasion began, according to a survey published by the independent Levada Center in September.

In August 2025, just 27% of respondents said they want Russia to keep fighting in Ukraine. By contrast, a record 66% said they favor peace negotiations with Kyiv. This is the highest share of support for talks recorded since February 2022.

The war has increasingly touched the lives of Russian citizens. The poll found that 58% of respondents reported being directly affected by the war. Among them, 30% said a relative or acquaintance had been killed, and 28% said a family member or friend is currently serving. In total, around 17% of Russians surveyed said they had lost someone, while another 16% reported that someone close to them is still fighting.

Ukraine remains high, at 78%. Of those, 47% said they “definitely support” the war, while 31% said they “mostly support” it. Meanwhile, 15% of respondents said they do not support Russia’s actions (7% “definitely” and 8% “mostly” against).

The survey highlights demographic divides in attitudes. Support for peace talks is higher among women (74%), young people under 24 (80%), rural residents (73%), and those who disapprove of President Vladimir Putin (82%). It is also stronger among respondents who say Russia is moving in the wrong direction or who rely on YouTube as a main source of information.

By contrast, support for continuing the war is stronger among men (38%), older Russians over 55 (35%), Moscow residents (47%), and those who approve of Putin’s presidency (30%). Respondents who primarily watch state television or who say Russia is on the right track were also more likely to back continued military action.

Levada noted that the results underline a growing split: while most Russians continue to approve of the military campaign, an increasing share now say they prefer peace talks with Ukraine — and far fewer are willing to see the war drag on indefinitely.

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/60040