Keep Factually independent
Whether you agree or disagree with our analysis, these conversations matter for democracy. We don't take money from political groups - even a $5 donation helps us keep it that way.
Fact check: Most European countries support Russia in its war against Ukraine.
1. Summary of the results
The statement that "most European countries support Russia" is demonstrably incorrect based on official actions and policies. The European Union has implemented 15 packages of sanctions against Russia [1] and agreed to a €50bn support package for Ukraine [2]. Major European powers like Germany and the United Kingdom are among the biggest supporters of Ukraine [3], providing military equipment, financial aid, and humanitarian assistance.
2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints
The reality is more nuanced than the original statement suggests:
- Mixed Support in Eastern Europe: While most EU countries oppose Russia, some nations like Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Serbia show varying degrees of pro-Russian sentiment. In Slovakia, polls showed 55% public support for Russia, and Hungary's government is considered "Europe's most pro-Russia" [4].
- Economic Complexity: There's a significant economic contradiction in Europe's position. While providing €18.7 billion in financial aid to Ukraine, the EU simultaneously purchased €21.9 billion worth of Russian fossil fuels in 2024 [5].
- Scale of Opposition: The EU has sanctioned over 2,400 individuals and entities connected to Russia [6], while actively seeking innovative ways to help Ukraine resist Russian aggression [2].
3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement
The statement appears to be deliberately misleading by:
- Ignoring Official Actions: It overlooks the massive and unprecedented sanctions packages implemented by European countries [1].
- Conflating Different Types of Support: The statement fails to distinguish between:
- Official government positions (overwhelmingly pro-Ukraine)
- Public sentiment (varies by country)
- Economic relationships (complicated by energy dependence)
Those who benefit from promoting this narrative include:
- Russian state media and propaganda outlets seeking to create an impression of international support
- Political groups in countries like Hungary and Slovakia that maintain pro-Russian positions
- Energy companies and intermediaries profiting from continued fossil fuel trade with Russia [5]