Slovak poll shows highest regional support for Russian victory in Ukraine at 17%
A poll results published on 31 January revealed that 17% of Slovak citizens support a Russian victory in the ongoing Ukraine war, still low but significantly higher than neighboring countries, Euroactiv reports. According to researchers at the Central European Digital Media Observatory (CEDMO), only 4% of Poles and 7% of Czechs share similar sentiments.
The study uncovered notable demographic variations within Slovakia. Among citizens aged 65 and over, support for Russian victory reaches 24%. In contrast, more than half of Slovaks between 16-24 years old support a Ukrainian victory.
The survey also found that a third of Slovakia’s population prefers a temporary peace without a clear winner, while another third wants Ukraine to win.
Slovakia’s government, led by Robert Fico, maintains a distinct pro-Russian stance. CEDMO researchers suggest these attitudes may be influenced by prevalent disinformation narratives in Slovakia. Politicians have been making claims about ineffective sanctions against Russia and alleged Ukrainian gas supply cuts leading to price increases.
Euroactiv notes that the spread of disinformation includes a recent AI-generated video depicting Ukrainian President Zelenskyy as visibly drunk, alongside narratives portraying Ukraine as a fascist state that oppresses Russian speakers.
Related:
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- Former Czech PM Babiš’s party vows to stop shell purchases for Ukraine
- Orbán no longer alone: Rising nationalist wave in Central Europe threatens EU unity, aid for Ukraine
- Russia produces fake videos about Ukrainian refugees using AI
- “Bratislava is not Moscow”: Zelenskyy backs mass protests in Slovakia against Fico
- Mass protests sweep Slovakia as PM Fico warns of “Maidan” scenario
- Slovak opposition party leader meets Zelenskyy over energy crisis as PM Fico turns to Moscow
- Russia creates “axis of autocrats” in European states, Spiegel says
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