Ukraine has been embroiled in a conflict with Russia since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and supported separatist movements in eastern Ukraine. As a result, the country has been facing ongoing challenges in its efforts to regain control of its territories and restore its pre-2014 borders. However, a recent poll conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) revealed that fewer than half of Ukrainians believe that the country could return to its pre-2014 borders.
The poll, which surveyed 2,041 respondents across Ukraine, found that only 47% of Ukrainians believe that the country could regain control of Crimea and the territories in eastern Ukraine currently held by separatist forces. This lack of confidence in the country’s ability to restore its territorial integrity is indicative of the challenges that Ukraine’s forces have been facing in their efforts to combat Russian aggression.
One of the key factors contributing to Ukraine’s struggles in regaining control of its territories is the military and economic support that Russia has been providing to separatist forces in eastern Ukraine. Despite the signing of the Minsk agreements in 2014 and 2015, which were aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern Ukraine, fighting has continued in the region, resulting in thousands of casualties and displacements.
The Ukrainian armed forces have been engaged in a protracted conflict with separatist forces in eastern Ukraine, which has strained the country’s military capabilities and resources. In addition, the economic impact of the conflict, including the loss of key industrial assets in the east and disruptions to trade with Russia, has further weakened Ukraine’s ability to assert control over its territories.
The lack of progress in resolving the conflict in eastern Ukraine has also had political implications for Ukraine, with some Ukrainians questioning the government’s handling of the situation. The poll conducted by KIIS found that only 32% of Ukrainians believe that the government is doing enough to resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine, while 56% believe that more should be done.
Despite these challenges, there have been some positive developments in Ukraine’s efforts to restore its territorial integrity. The country has received support from Western allies, including the United States and European Union, in the form of military assistance and sanctions against Russia. The Ukrainian armed forces have also made significant gains in their efforts to combat separatist forces in eastern Ukraine, including the recapture of key towns and territories.
In addition, Ukraine has taken steps to strengthen its economy and reduce its dependence on Russia, including diversifying its energy sources and implementing economic reforms. These efforts have helped to stabilize the country’s economy and reduce its vulnerability to external pressures.
While the road to restoring Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders remains challenging, there is still hope that the country can overcome these obstacles and regain control of its territories. With continued support from Western allies, as well as ongoing efforts to strengthen its military capabilities and economy, Ukraine has the potential to achieve its goal of restoring its territorial integrity and securing its sovereignty.