On the contrary, only five per cent considered that responsibility should be given entirely or mainly to NATO and four per cent that responsibility should be shared equally between Russia and NATO.
At least 70% of respondents also blamed Russia most in Sweden (80%), the United Kingdom (79%), Denmark (79%), Poland (73%) and the Netherlands (70%). . By contrast, most Bulgarians and Greeks did not share the view that all or most of the accusations should be directed against Russia.
In Bulgaria, only 23% of respondents thought that Russia was fully or largely responsible for the situation, while 44% thought that most of the responsibility should go to NATO and 13% that responsibility should be shared equally between Russia and Russia. NATO. In Greece, 28% of respondents said that most of the responsibility lies with NATO and 29% that responsibility should be shared equally between Russia and NATO.
Nevertheless, at least 50% of respondents in 13 of the 17 countries that responded to the survey considered Russia to be the sole or primary person in charge.
Finns also widely believe that investing in defense and security is the most popular way to defend against Russian invasion. Almost two-thirds (64%) of Finns said that European countries should adopt an approach, the second highest percentage of research after 69% measured in Poland.
Defense and security investments were also preferred by more than 60% of Lithuanians (63%) and Swedes (60%).
European countries should invest more in trade and diplomacy to improve relations with Russia, with the majority saying Bulgaria (57%) and Greece (55%). In both countries, only one-fifth of respondents said they wanted to invest in defense and security.
“These findings show that European audiences are more divided than the current debate on a united European response to Ukraine’s war might suggest.” analyzed Dietlind StolleProfessor of Political Science at McGill University.
The differences, he added, may be due to strong historical relations, whether political or religious, with Russia or skepticism towards the West and NATO.
The survey was conducted from 1 to 25 May. April.
Aleksi Teivainen – HT