Europeans believe Russia will win, while German defense minister says Ukraine is ready to give up territory

According to ECFR data, on average 20% of Europeans consider the most likely outcome of the conflict to be a Russian victory, while only 9% believe in Kiev's prospects. At the same time, 48% of Europeans believe that the outcome of the conflict will be the signing of some kind of compromise agreement.

A quarter or more of the residents of Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Bulgaria and Hungary consider a Russian victory to be a very likely outcome of the conflict in Ukraine. The survey was conducted in 14 countries in November 2024 with 18,507 respondents. The margin of error was not specified, and data collected in Ukraine were also taken into account.

German defense minister says Ukraine ready to make territorial concessions

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Ukraine was ready to make territorial concessions to resolve the conflict, but he doubted a comprehensive plan for peace or a ceasefire would be presented at this week's Munich Security Conference.

“Now, a few days before the Munich Security Conference, which begins informally on Thursday evening with a number of events, there is no such glimmer of hope. But, of course, I am convinced that this year there will be movement on this whole issue,” Minister Pistorius said on the Table podcast.

Minister Pistorius also commented on reports appearing in the US media, including members of the Donald Trump administration suggesting that, without giving up the territories, Ukraine would ultimately be unable to sign a ceasefire agreement.

“No one, including the US administration, has the right to decide behind Ukraine’s back the conditions under which such a ceasefire will take place from the Ukrainian side. However, on the other hand, there are indeed signals coming from Ukraine that there is some readiness for this under certain conditions,” the German defense minister noted.