Brussels: Ahead of the second anniversary of the conflict, a survey released on Wednesday by the European Council on Foreign Relations unveils a stark reality: merely 10 percent of Europeans hold faith in Ukraine’s ability to prevail against Russia on the battlefield.
The findings shed light on prevailing sentiments across 12 EU countries, showcasing a nuanced outlook on the conflict. On average, 20 percent of respondents expressed belief in Russia’s potential victory, while 37 percent anticipated a compromise settlement to end the conflict.
However, optimism varied significantly among nations. Poland, Sweden, and Portugal emerged as the most optimistic, with 17 percent expressing confidence in Ukraine’s prospects. Conversely, respondents in Hungary and Greece exhibited the least optimism.
Amidst these divergent viewpoints, the survey highlighted differing perspectives on the course of action Europe should pursue. While 31 percent advocated for supporting Ukraine’s efforts to reclaim captured territories, 41 percent favored pushing Kyiv towards negotiation.
Complicating matters further is the uncertainty surrounding US support for Ukraine, as a $60 billion aid package remains stalled in Congress. Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump has voiced opposition to further aid for Ukraine, raising questions about the future trajectory of US involvement.
In the event of a US withdrawal of support, opinions among European respondents varied. Twenty percent advocated for increased backing, while an equal percentage preferred maintaining the status quo. Notably, 33 percent suggested aligning with the US by reducing aid and pressuring Ukraine to strike a deal with Russia.
Amidst these deliberations, the survey underscores the complexity of navigating geopolitical alliances and the challenges inherent in addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
