These figures were presented by Yevhen Holovakha, director of the Institute of Sociology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. For comparison, in 2022, only 4% gave similar answers. The increase in this share occurred mainly among Ukrainians living closer to the front line."The problem is that ceding territories, renouncing NATO, or reducing the army will not stop the war. It will continue as long as even a part of Ukraine remains independent."Putin and his propaganda call this war "existential" – meaning a war for Russia's survival. But an existential war cannot be won – it continues as long as a "threat" exists. In Putin's distorted logic, the very existence of an independent Ukraine is a threat, so only its complete dismantling can "remove the danger." Even if a small piece of an independent state remains, millions of people will live there who remember those killed, hate Russia, and do not recognize any terms of surrender. Putin understands this, so he will only stop when he is stopped.He does not need Ukrainian territories as such. Talk of "a few regions" is a way to convince the West that Putin only needs "a little land," and then everything will end. But his demands regarding NATO, "denazification," and the reduction of the Ukrainian army have nothing to do with territories. Meanwhile, new military bases are being built in Karelia, Kaliningrad, and Belarus, defense factories are being constructed, and children are being raised in the spirit of a future war."In reality, Putin does not need Ukraine as a state, but a controlled, dependent territory – even without the appearance of sovereignty. This will not be a second Belarus: Lukashenko at least imitates independence. Ukraine after capitulation will rather turn into Transnistria or Abkhazia – a fragment of a state completely controlled by Moscow."Peace on terms of surrender is exactly what the Kremlin wants to hear from Ukrainians. The war of attrition is being waged not only against the army but against society as a whole. And the growing number of those ready to "agree to peace at any cost" is a sign of how far Russia is advancing towards its goal. "16% is a lot. In hypothetical elections, such a number of voters would form a large faction in parliament – larger than two pro-European parties combined. But these people are also citizens of Ukraine, and ignoring them is dangerous."Ukraine is fighting a war it cannot afford to lose. Defeat will affect everyone, regardless of profession, place of residence, or political views. And victory is possible only when society remains united, rallied around a common goal – to stand firm. But unity does not arise by itself. It requires efforts from the authorities, honesty, and an example from above. Only then will Ukraine be able to withstand the war that Russia is waging not only against our army but against all of us.SourceAbout the author. Mykola Kniazhytskyi, journalist, Ukrainian MP.The editorial board does not always share the opinions expressed by the authors of blogs or columns.