Because of Putin's actions, almost two-thirds of Europeans now consider Russia an enemy

Russia's war against Ukraine has shown European citizens that they live in a world of new realities in which they will have to refuse to cooperate with the aggressor.

The number of Europeans who consider Russia a rival or enemy has doubled since 2021.

Source. These are the results of a survey in 11 EU countries conducted by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR).

Currently, almost two-thirds (64%) believe that Russia is opposed to Europe. At the same time, the vast majority (55%) consider it an adversary ("a country with which we are in conflict"), not just "a country with which we have to compete" (9% called Russia a rival).

By comparison, China does not cause such disgust among Europeans, although it also challenges the West and tries, as Beijing claims, to resist its hegemony.

Only 8% of Europeans consider China an adversary, and 24% consider it a rival. At the same time, the largest share (43%) views it as a necessary partner ("with whom we must cooperate strategically").

However, the situation could change if China suddenly starts supplying weapons to Russia: many Europeans call this a red line, crossing which they are ready to consider as a reason for imposing sanctions, even if it would hit their economy.

Only 19% of Europeans are ready to cooperate with Russia and only 4% see it as an ally.

Only in one of the surveyed countries does the majority (65%) consider Russia an ally and partner of Europe – in Bulgaria.

The ECFR concludes that Europe now has a clear mandate for a policy to ensure European security not with Russia, but against it.

The majority of Europeans support building up military power on the continent on their own, with less reliance on the United States. The EU should take steps to develop its defense strategy, according to 74% of respondents, with the most active support for this in Hungary, the Netherlands, and Germany.

The toughest stance toward Russia is taken by residents of Denmark (83% consider it a rival or enemy), Poland and Sweden (78% each), the Netherlands (77%), and Germany (70%).