### Majority of Russians Anticipate Conclusion of Ukraine War by 2026 Amid Intensified Peace Efforts Recent polling data indicates that a significant portion of the Russian population believes the ongoing conflict in Ukraine will come to an end in 2026. This sentiment appears to coincide with a period of heightened diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. The findings from state-owned research center VTsIOM suggest that the Kremlin may be gauging public sentiment regarding potential peace negotiations, as military advancements continue on the battlefield. Notably, many respondents express optimism that the war will conclude with Russia achieving its stated objectives, reflecting a strong alignment with the Kremlin's narrative regarding the conflict [https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/12/26/world/russia-war-end-2026-pollster, https://ifpnews.com/majority-of-russians-expect-ukraine-war-to-end-in-2026-survey]. ### Breakdown of Public Sentiment and Expectations 1. **General Expectation of War Conclusion**: - A majority of Russians, approximately 55%, expect the war to end in 2026, with many believing this timeline aligns with Russia's military goals [https://kyivindependent.com/poll-shows-55-of-russians-expect-war-to-end-in-2026]. 2. **Kremlin's Influence on Public Perception**: - The findings suggest that the Kremlin may be testing public reaction to a potential peace settlement, as the state pollster's data reflects a narrative that supports the government's objectives in the conflict [https://www.firstpost.com/world/state-survey-shows-majority-of-russians-hopeful-for-peace-in-ukraine-by-2026-13962705.html]. 3. **Military Progress and Public Optimism**: - The optimism among the populace is partly attributed to recent military advances by Russian forces, which may bolster the belief that the war will conclude favorably for Russia [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12/25/majority-of-russians-expect-ukraine-war-to-end-in-2026-state-survey-finds]. ### Supporting Data and Insights - **Poll Results**: - According to VTsIOM, 70% of respondents believe that 2026 will be a more favorable year for Russia, with 55% associating this expectation with the end of military operations in Ukraine [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3741144-russians-anticipate-ukraine-war-conclusion-by-2026-amid-peace-talks]. - **Public Sentiment**: - Many Russians express a desire for life to return to "normal," indicating a strong public yearning for peace and stability following years of conflict [https://www.newsbreak.com/reuters-555486/4411919386952-majority-of-russians-expect-ukraine-war-to-end-in-2026-state-pollster-says]. ### Conclusion: A Complex Landscape of Hope and Realism In summary, the prevailing belief among Russians is that the war in Ukraine will conclude by 2026, driven by a combination of military progress and a desire for peace. This expectation is closely tied to the Kremlin's narrative and objectives, suggesting a complex interplay between public sentiment and state messaging. The following points encapsulate the findings: 1. **Majority Expectation**: 55% of Russians anticipate the war will end in 2026, reflecting a hopeful outlook [https://kyivindependent.com/poll-shows-55-of-russians-expect-war-to-end-in-2026]. 2. **Kremlin's Narrative**: The data may indicate the Kremlin's strategy to align public sentiment with its goals in the conflict [https://www.firstpost.com/world/state-survey-shows-majority-of-russians-hopeful-for-peace-in-ukraine-by-2026-13962705.html]. 3. **Desire for Normalcy**: There is a strong public yearning for a return to normal life, highlighting the human cost of the ongoing conflict [https://www.newsbreak.com/reuters-555486/4411919386952-majority-of-russians-expect-ukraine-war-to-end-in-2026-state-pollster-says]. This situation remains fluid, with ongoing diplomatic efforts potentially influencing public perceptions and expectations in the months to come.