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More than half of Europeans think Russia could launch a war against their country in the coming years, according to a new poll across nine EU nations. Poland tops the list, with 77% seeing a high risk, while Italians are the least concerned, with 65% saying the threat is low or nonexistent.
The survey also shows widespread doubt about national defense. Nearly seven in ten Europeans (69%) feel their country would be unable to fend off a Russian attack. The French are slightly more confident, likely reflecting their nuclear arsenal, but Belgians, Italians, and Portuguese are overwhelmingly pessimistic.
China, by contrast, barely worries Europeans, with 81% saying a war with Beijing is unlikely. The poll also touched on broader issues: immigration, U.S.-Europe relations, and public spending, highlighting diverging views across the continent.
Experts say the results underline the enduring perception of Russia as the biggest geopolitical threat in Europe, raising questions about preparedness and the continent’s unity in the face of rising tensions.
