Almost two-thirds of NATO members' citizens have a negative view of Russia: A poll ahead of the Vilnius summit

About two-thirds of Allied citizens surveyed believe that Russia's invasion of Ukraine has affected the security of their own countries. In these countries, support for NATO remains strong, as does support for assistance to Ukraine.

This is according to a public opinion poll conducted by NATO in Allied countries ahead of the Vilnius Summit.

According to the survey, 65% of respondents support the continuation of their countries' assistance to Ukraine.

And about two-thirds of the Alliance's respondents believe that Russia's invasion of Ukraine has affected their country's security (64%).

A majority of respondents (73%) consider NATO important for their country's future security. Additionally, 70% of respondents expressed their support for their country remaining a member of NATO if a referendum is held. Another 73% of respondents were in favour of maintaining or increasing defence spending. These results demonstrate widespread support for NATO and the importance of defence strength for the country's security.

The majority of respondents agreed that their country should defend another NATO member in the event of an attack (64%), and 62% agreed that NATO membership reduces the likelihood of a foreign attack.

Just over half of respondents have a negative view of China (54%) and two-thirds have a negative view of Russia (66%). Both figures are unchanged from the previous survey conducted a year ago.

Ahead of the NATO Summit in Vilnius in 2023, NATO commissioned the survey in 31 countries of the North Atlantic Alliance. The survey assesses public opinion in NATO member states, including support for NATO membership, collective defence and defence spending.

As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy will take part in the North Atlantic Alliance summit in Vilnius. In particular, he is expected to attend the inaugural meeting of the new NATO-Ukraine Council.

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