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Research reveals strong European support for Ukraine, making it difficult for politicians to exploit pro-Russia foreign policy messages. Widespread backing for Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia have been reported across the continent.
While support for Ukraine is strong, opinions on whether Ukraine should become a member of NATO are more mixed. Experts classified European nations into three groups, with some being solid supporters of Ukraine, while others remain on the fence.
A new study published in the journal International Affairs analyzed data collected in February 2023 in several European countries. Citizens of Germany, France, Spain, Estonia, Finland, Poland, Sweden, and the UK were found to be staunch supporters of Ukraine. On the other hand, Italy and Hungary were more neutral in their support.
Older people in all countries were found to be more supportive of increasing NATO’s troop presence in Eastern Europe and admitting Ukraine to the alliance than younger age groups. However, public opinion was divided on policy options for NATO across different countries.
The study, led by Catarina Thomson, emphasized that while European citizens remain united in supporting the Ukrainian war effort, military successes are crucial in maintaining this support. To learn more about the study, you can Read More.