Public opinion in Western Europe is undergoing a noticeable shift when it comes to supporting Ukraine, according to a recent YouGov study reported by The Guardian.
In nations like Germany, France, and Italy, most people now lean toward negotiating peace with Russia rather than backing Ukraine “until it wins the war.”
The December survey highlights a marked decline in the willingness to support Ukraine’s fight to victory compared to last year. Meanwhile, the idea of a peace deal— even if it means allowing Russia to keep occupied territories—has gained significant traction.
Interestingly, Sweden and Denmark still show relatively strong support for funding Ukraine’s victory, but even there, cracks are forming. In Sweden, for example, those favoring unyielding support for Ukraine have dropped from 57% to 50% over the past year.
Adding to the uncertainty is the looming inauguration of Donald Trump as U.S. President in January. Many Europeans expect his administration to scale back or halt U.S. military aid to Ukraine, which could leave Europe carrying more of the burden—a scenario that’s clearly influencing public sentiment.
Despite some criticism about insufficient support, the majority in surveyed countries don’t favor ramping up aid. In fact, larger groups suggest either maintaining current levels or cutting back, signaling a growing weariness with the ongoing conflict.
