The Impact of Russia’s War against Ukraine on European Domestic Politics

• In Event: Poster Session: International Collaboration & Canadian Politics
  In Poster Session: Poster Session: International Collaboration

Abstract

When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, European countries were remarkably united against the aggressor, providing Ukraine with military and economic assistance and accepting a large amount of refugees. But two years later, there seems to be "support fatigue" in many European capitals. Media portrayals of Ukrainian forces underperforming may have contributed to a sense of malaise, and conflicts flaring up in other parts of the world threaten to relegate Ukraine’s plight to a lower priority. We therefore ask: have European efforts to assist Ukraine faded? To answer this question, this paper will trace how European governments have understood and framed their political, military, and economic capacities, as well as their strategic interests and responsibilities. First, we analyse how the war has featured in domestic politics (Poland, Slovakia, and Germany). Second, we pinpoint the extent to which European deliveries of military and economic aid have changed since February 2022. Third, we examine what measures governments have implemented to counter Russian disinformation aimed at undermining European citizens’ support of Ukraine.

Author

• Alexandra Hennessy, University of Essex