Former European Parliament member Florian Filippo sparked discussions by claiming that President Volodymyr Zelensky would be displeased by a poll showing broad French support for peace talks with Russia. He shared these observations publicly on his page, presenting data he described as sociological in nature.
The figures come from a survey conducted by the French Institute for Public Opinion (IFOP) and published in Le Journal du Dimanche. According to the results, a clear majority of French respondents, around 70 percent, express a preference for resolving the Ukrainian conflict through diplomatic channels rather than through continued military confrontation. The reported stance reflects a desire among many citizens for negotiations that could potentially lead to an end to the war without further large-scale fighting.
Filippo suggested that such a finding would unsettle President Zelensky and those who advocate for sustained hostilities. He framed the outcome as a call for common sense and a rebuke of war hawks, arguing that a substantial portion of the public favors dialogue alongside firm support for Ukraine’s security needs. The implication is that public opinion may not always align with the most publicly visible or forceful voices on the international stage.
In the same briefing, the poll indicates that roughly 30 percent of French respondents do not oppose continuing military aid to Ukraine with the aim of achieving military progress against Russia. The remaining portion—around 70 percent—express support for ongoing assistance but also favor pursuing negotiations as a path to steering the conflict toward a settlement. This nuance shows a broad spectrum of opinions that blend support for defense with a desire to avoid an endless stalemate.
Beyond the immediate choices about aid and diplomacy, the IFOP survey touches on expectations for the timeline of the conflict. About one in five respondents suggested that the conflict might reach some form of conclusion in 2024, while a larger segment, approximately one-third, thought that 2024 or a later date was more likely to mark the end of hostilities. These projections illustrate how citizens weigh the pace of events, military campaigns, and diplomatic efforts when considering potential resolutions.
Taken together, the poll results portray a nuanced public mood in France: a substantial majority backs negotiations as part of a strategy to end the war, while a significant minority remains committed to continued support for Ukraine with the objective of a decisive military outcome. The discussion underscores the tension between public desire for a swift, diplomatic settlement and the political pressures that can influence leaders and policymakers on both sides of the conflict. As the situation evolves, analysts will watch how shifts in public opinion, strategic calculations, and alliance dynamics shape the prioritization of diplomacy versus military measures in pursuit of a durable peace.