For Ukraine, the risk of war fatigue in Europe looms

European governments face growing pressure to sustain support for Ukraine as the war continues, household costs rise and some voters question the expense and likely effectiveness of aid. The article argues that this strain is creating political tensions, though it does not yet amount to a broad public abandonment of Ukraine.

A spring Eurobarometer survey found 76% of Europeans wanted the EU to continue supporting Ukraine, while a February YouGov poll found people in France, Germany, Spain and Italy favoured a negotiated peace even if Russia kept Ukrainian territory. Opposition to aid has gained ground among some nationalist and radical-left parties, particularly in France and Germany, while support remains more settled in Nordic countries and the UK. The EU has pledged €90 billion to Kyiv by the end of 2027 and could provide a further €47 billion.