Four years into Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, peace talks remain deadlocked over territorial disputes. While the US leads negotiations, fundamental issues persist.
A new YouGov survey indicates a divergence in Western European sentiment towards Ukraine's victory. Danes lead in caring about Ukraine's defeat of the invasion (79%), followed by Britons (70%) and Germans (51%). However, less than half of French (45%), Spanish (44%), and Italian (32%) respondents share this strong sentiment.
This division extends to preferred conflict resolution. Denmark (49%) and the UK (46%) favor supporting Ukraine until Russia withdraws, even if it prolongs fighting. Conversely, a majority in France, Germany, Spain, and particularly Italy (56%) prefer a negotiated peace, potentially allowing Russia to retain Ukrainian territory.
Despite this, a negative sentiment prevails across all surveyed nations regarding such an outcome. Many anticipate Russia may launch further attacks within a decade. Britons (68%) and Danes (65%) are most likely to believe Russia will restart hostilities with Ukraine. Similarly, a majority in the UK (62%) and Denmark (57%) see a likelihood of Russia attacking another European country.
Analysts identify Baltic states and Moldova as particularly at risk due to proximity and geopolitical factors. Regarding peacekeepers, most Europeans support the idea, with strong approval in Denmark (66%) and the UK (62%), moderate support in France (48%) and Germany (44%), and weakest in Italy (35%).