Between prudence and selfishness. Pooling the polls on what Italians think of the Ukraine war

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article provides a systematic overview of what Italians think of the war in Ukraine, relying on an analysis of the polls conducted over the first 17 months of the conflict. Italians are worried about the war but the issue is not a priority. Most Italians blame Russia, but they do so to a lesser extent than do other Europeans and the assigned responsibility is affected by the question wording. Only a minority favours arms shipments to Ukraine. Survey data record a higher level of support for imposing sanctions than for sending weapons, but also a slight decline in support for sanctions over the period. Since Italians do not expect either side to win the war, they foresee that it will end with sacrifices on the part of Ukraine.