Ukrainians rethink NATO amid shifting security options

Tuesday 30 December 2025 - 13:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Ukrainians rethink NATO amid shifting security options

Ukrainian support for NATO membership has plunged dramatically, dropping from 55% in December 2024 to 38% this month. A nationwide poll by the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation, carried out with the Razumkov Centre from December 5 to 16, surveyed 2,000 adults and captures a pivotal change in sentiment during peace talks with Russia.

NATO remains the top choice for security, yet alternatives are gaining ground fast. Favoring defense pacts with specific NATO countries climbed from 9% to 15% over the year, while backing for pure self-reliance doubled from 3% to 7%.

Trust in Western bodies is fraying further. A December Kyiv International Institute of Sociology survey shows only 34% of Ukrainians trust NATO, down from 43% last year, with U.S. confidence plummeting from 41% to 21%.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated openness to skipping NATO for solid Western guarantees. In mid-December Berlin talks, U.S. officials floated "Article 5-like" protections from America and Europe against Russian threats.

The Trump administration pitched a 15-year deal in its peace outline, but Zelenskyy seeks 50 years. French President Emmanuel Macron revealed allies will convene in Paris early January to lock in commitments.

Russia keeps up frontline assaults as this opinion shift unfolds. European Pravda notes signals from partners, particularly the U.S., have eroded faith in NATO's reliability.

Ukraine sought NATO entry in 2022 after Russia's invasion, but nations like Slovakia and Hungary resist, and the Trump team favors Moscow peace talks over accession.