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Transcript/Script((INTRO))
[[A poll of global attitudes regarding Russia’s war on Ukraine suggests the West has regained its unity and sense of purpose following the invasion. The survey — conducted across 15 countries in December and January — shows markedly different attitudes in non-Western nations, as Henry Ridgwell reports from London.]]
((NARRATOR))
Most Western leaders have rallied behind Ukraine in the face of Russia’s invasion – and they have warned of the threat posed by Moscow. The poll by the European Council on Foreign Relations suggests citizens in these countries largely agree.
((Susi Dennison, European Council on Foreign Relations))((cf. Zoom logo))
“There is a general agreement with the idea that Ukraine needs to regain all of its territory. And that has grown in the European countries that we looked at since we asked a similar question last summer.”
((NARRATOR))
The report says three factors have driven Western unity: Ukrainian successes on the battlefield…
…the way the war has united the political left and right; and the perceived return of a strong West led by the U.S.
Europeans also feel they have weathered a difficult winter – despite high energy prices caused by Russia’s invasion.
((Susi Dennison, European Council on Foreign Relations))((cf. Zoom logo))
“We can sustain economically the position that we’re taking against Russia and that we need to do so because of the nature of the war that Russia is fighting — that it threatens the fundamental rules of which the international order is based.”
((NARRATOR))
As Russia tries to take more territory in a spring offensive, the report authors say Western leaders should exploit the public support for arming Ukraine.
((Susi Dennison, European Council on Foreign Relations))((cf. Zoom logo))
“Military aid and support in dealing with that is needed now, because if it starts to look like actually this is not something that the Ukrainians could push back against, then we could see the support among Europeans begin to dissipate.”
((NARRATOR))
The same poll conducted in China, India, and Turkey gave very different answers. In these countries, majorities favored a quick end to the war — even if Ukraine has to concede territory.
((Susi Dennison, European Council on Foreign Relations)) ((cf. Zoom logo))
“You have strong majorities that say Russia is either an ally or a necessary partner. They see a world of multipolarity in which they are going to have to form pragmatic, relatively interest-based alliances.”
((NARRATOR))
Most respondents in Europe and America expect a bipolar world dominated by the U.S. and China.
However, a majority of citizens in non-Western countries expect a fragmented global order – with several competing powers making up a multipolar world.
((Henry Ridgwell, for VOA News, London.))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Location (dateline)London
Embargo DateMarch 25, 2023 09:39 EDT
BylineHenry Ridgwell
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English