Europeans divided over how Ukraine war should play out, reveals poll
Europeans are sharply divided over how the Ukraine war should play out, with some favouring peace and others wanting "justice", according to a new poll.
The European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) survey of 10 countries showed that 35% of Europeans were in the "peace camp", favouring an end to the war as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, 22% of respondents wanted "justice", punishing Russia for its invasion and restoring Ukraine's territory.
Moscow has steadfastly rejected claims it is a war, insisting on calling it a "special military operation".
Poland, which borders Ukraine and has been very supportive of Kyiv, had the most respondents wanting "justice" against Russia of those surveyed. Italy, Germany and Romania had the most favouring a peaceful end to hostilities.
Populations in nine EU member states were surveyed (Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain and Sweden), alongside the UK.
“Europeans have surprised Putin – and themselves – by their unity so far, but the big stresses are coming now," said ECFR director Mark Leonard.
"There are potential divisions over the cost of living, refugees and nuclear escalation, but the big divide is between those who want to end the war as quickly as possible and those who want Russia to be punished.
"If badly handled the gap between the peace camp and the justice camp over Ukraine could be as damaging as that between creditors and debtors during the euro crisis," he added.
The ECFR survey, conducted between April to May by pollsters Datapraxis and YouGov, found more unity amongst Europeans over what was stopping peace.
Overall, 64% of Europeans said Russia was the largest impediment, while 17% said it was Ukraine, the EU or the US.
Italy had the largest
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