Readiness to support Ukraine “until it wins” has fallen sharply across western Europe during the year. Over the same period, the percentages saying they preferred a negotiated peace has surged, YouGov survey finds, reports The Guardian.

December polling by YouGov in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Denmark and the UK found public desire to stand by Ukraine until victory—even if that meant prolonging the war—had slumped in all seven countries over the past 12 months.

The polling showed that willingness to back Ukraine until it defeated Russia remained high in Sweden (50%) and Denmark (40%), with the UK on 36%, but those levels were down by as much as 14 points on January figures of 57%, 51% and 50%.

Over the same period, the percentages saying they preferred a negotiated peace surged to 55% from 45% in Italy, 46% (38%) in Spain, 43% (35%) in France and 45% (38%) in Germany, matched by corresponding falls in readiness to back Ukraine until it won.

It was unclear whether the shift reflected declining interest or increasing fatigue. In France, Germany and Sweden, the proportions wanting Ukraine to win—and caring that it did—have remained stable since early 2023, though they have dipped elsewhere.